Federal agencies would study children's liver disease and inform the public

The Government Accountability Office would study children's liver disease care, transplant deaths, and newborn screening. The study would cover federally funded detection and treatment efforts, differences in deaths among children awaiting liver transplants, and the cost effectiveness of a newborn blood test for certain liver diseases. The reviews of transplant waiting-list deaths and screening costs would depend on reliable data being available. The report would be due within one year after the bill becomes law.

The Department of Health and Human Services would develop and share plain-language public education materials. The materials would explain early signs of liver disease in children and the option and safety of living liver donation. The department could share the materials through existing federal health education programs. The section would authorize no additional funding. The Government Accountability Office would report to Congress on the program's results within three years after it starts.