AR HB1102

Creates the Universal Newborn Screening Act requiring all Arkansas newborn infants to be tested for core medical conditions including phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, galactosemia, cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anemia, and spinal muscular atrophy as recommended by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Requires the Department of Health to begin testing for newly added core medical conditions within 36 months of introduction to the recommended uniform screening panel, subject to General Assembly funding approval.

Mandates Medicaid reimbursement to hospitals for newborn screening test costs in addition to per diem payments, and establishes follow-up procedures to begin within 10 days of positive diagnosis.

Requires the Department of Health to establish educational programs for physicians, hospitals, nurses, and the public regarding screened conditions and their treatment modalities.

Allows parents or legal guardians to object to testing on medical, religious, or philosophical grounds and makes all newborn screening materials and data confidential under state law.