MS HB973

Requires Mississippi Medicaid to cover rapid whole genome sequencing as a separately payable service for beneficiaries under age 21 receiving hospital services in an intensive care unit or other high acuity care unit with a complex or acute illness of unknown etiology.

Defines rapid whole genome sequencing as investigation of the entire human genome returning preliminary results within 7 days and final results within 21 days, including patient-only sequencing and duo/trio sequencing with biological parents.

Coverage is subject to evidence-based medical necessity criteria including symptoms suggesting broad differential diagnosis, provider determination that timely molecular diagnosis is necessary, and presence of specific conditions such as congenital anomalies, abnormal laboratory tests, refractory seizures, or cardiac abnormalities.

Requires the Division of Medicaid to take necessary actions including submitting waiver applications or state plan amendments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to ensure federal financial participation.

Genetic data generated from the testing shall be subject to HIPAA privacy protections and used primarily for diagnosis and treatment by the ordering healthcare professional and treating care team.