On December 18th, 2014 the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2014 was signed into law by President Obama.  The law extends a grant program for screening, counseling, and other services related to heritable disorders that can be detected in newborns through state newborn screening programs.  The law is designed to improve timeliness of the screening process and provide training to healthcare professionals involved in newborn screening and the sharing of this medical information with providers and families.  A timely diagnosis is critically important for children affected by heritable disorders as some may cause irreversible damage or even death if not treated in time.

While the law is a great step forward in protecting future generations, babies are being born every day that will not fully realize its benefits.  We feel that it is critical to continue spreading awareness about the newborn screening process so that parents understand what is and is not screened for in their state as well as what supplemental screening options are available to them.

Learn more about the law here:

H.R. 1281 – Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2014