SC H5425

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect, with rare conditions like aortic atresia requiring complex multistage surgeries and lifelong medical supervision

South Carolina mandates newborn screening for critical congenital heart defects but lacks a comprehensive system for long-term care and support of affected individuals

Workforce shortages, geographic disparities in specialist availability, and reimbursement challenges create barriers to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities

The resolution urges establishment of a comprehensive, lifelong care framework for CHD patients and calls for collaboration with the South Carolina Rare Disease Advisory Council and healthcare stakeholders

Individuals with complex CHD are living longer into adulthood and require ongoing access to specialized pediatric and adult congenital cardiology services and transition programs