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Minutes for HB2399 - Committee on Health and Human Services
Short Title
Establishing an advance universal newborn screening program, providing for the reimbursement of certain treatment services and increasing transfer of moneys to the Kansas newborn screening fund.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 5, 2025
Carly Choi, Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview of HB2399.
Drew Duncan, Screening & Surveillance Section Director, Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Family Health, provided testimony in support of HB2399 (Attachment 28). The bill amends the existing program statutes, establishes an advanced universal screening program, updates outdated terminology and increases funding capitation placed on the the program's sole funding source, the medical assistance fee fund. Mr. Duncan wanted to focus on increasing funding capitations to ensure resources are available to conduct a quality, effective and efficient newborn screening program. Kansas Newborn Screening (KNS) is a mandated public health program. Mr. Duncan provided a history of the program. The advanced universal newborn screening program provides newborns the best chance at healthy development. HB2399 does not allocate $5M to the program annually. The proposed change increases the cap placed on the funds to support growth, sustainability, and the flexibility to meet the needs of families.
Mr. Duncan responded to questions from the committee.
Heather Braum, Senior Policy Advisor, Kansas Action for Children, provided testimony in support of HB2399 (Attachment 29). The bill will continue providing necessary resources for a mandated public health program. Early diagnosis and treatment gives newborns the best chance at healthy development and outcomes. If left undetected and untreated, many of these conditions can lead to lifelong medical treatments, high costs, and serious complications like brain damage and death.
The following provided written only proponent testimony:
Karry Padding, Private Citizen (Attachment 30)
Allyson Mccain, Deputy Director, Kansas Council of Developmental Disabilities (Attachment 31)
Karen Braman, Senior Vice President, Clinical and Strategic Initiatives, Kansas Hospital Association (Attachment 32)
Dr. Dena Hubbard, Legislative Coordinator, Kansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (Attachment 33)
The hearing was closed.
