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WV HB5547
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/16/2026
Primary Sponsor
Laura Kimble
Click for details
AI Summary
- Requires express, separate, written parental consent before conducting newborn genetic screening, with parents permitted to refuse testing or choose private screening instead
- Mandates destruction of blood spots within three weeks after test results are received unless parents provide written consent for retention at least 14 days after hospital discharge
- Prohibits retained blood spots or test results from being used for research, forensics, law enforcement, or other purposes without additional express written consent from parents or the individual upon reaching adulthood
- Requires healthcare providers to inform patients about newborn screening options, including opt-out rights, during each trimester of pregnancy
- Directs the Secretary of Health to create a publicly available form allowing parents or adults to revoke previously given consent for storage, sharing, or use of blood spots and screening results
Legislative Description
To Protect Newborn Genetic Privacy Rights
Human Rights
Last Action
To House Health and Human Resources
2/16/2026
Committee Referrals
Health & Human Resources2/16/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available