Genetic disease screening.

Assembly Member Boerner's proposal to expand California's newborn genetic screening program would add Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) to the state's mandated testing panel by January 2027. The measure modifies the existing genetic disease testing framework administered by the Department of Public Health.

The legislation authorizes the use of Genetic Disease Testing Fund resources to incorporate DMD screening into the state's Genetic Disease Branch Screening Information System. This expansion builds upon the current testing regime, which includes screenings for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, severe combined immunodeficiency, and adrenoleukodystrophy. The program's costs are covered through fees charged to hospitals for births occurring in medical facilities and directly to families for out-of-hospital births, with exemptions for Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

To facilitate rapid implementation, the bill maintains existing provisions that exempt certain genetic screening program expenditures from standard state contracting requirements. The Department of Public Health retains authority to adopt emergency regulations, which take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State and must undergo public hearing within 120 days. The measure preserves the department's ability to adjust screening fees as needed to sustain program operations.