New Jersey would require more reviews of newborn screening disorders

The newborn screening committee would review additional disorders under set deadlines. The reviews would cover additions to the federal newborn screening list, listed disorders New Jersey does not screen for, and disorders outside that list. A screening test and an FDA-approved treatment or therapeutic intervention must be available. Reviews of disorders already on the federal list but not screened by New Jersey, and disorders outside that list, would lead to formal recommendations. Starting January 1, 2027, newly listed federal disorders would require review within one year of addition. Reviews of existing federal disorders would begin within one year of enactment; reviews of disorders outside that list would begin within two years.

The committee would review eight named disorders for possible newborn screening. The review would cover eight specified disorders, including Fabry disease and Gaucher disease. Screening would require an available test, an FDA-approved treatment or therapeutic intervention, a committee recommendation, and the health commissioner’s approval. The Health Department would establish screening policies and procedures at least 60 days before requiring testing. If the commissioner rejects a recommendation, the reasons would go to the committee and the public. The review would begin October 1, 2027, and finish by October 1, 2028.