Texas Senate Approves Newborn Screening Changes

AUSTIN (AP) - Texas would need parental permission to store the parents' newborn's blood sample for possible research use under legislation approved by the Texas Senate.

Senators voted Monday to let parents opt-in, rather than opt-out, of letting the Department of State Health Services use a baby's blood sample for anything other than disease screening. The bill now goes returns to the House for approval.

The bill would prevent the department from releasing information that could identify the child.

If records or other information don't disclose the child or family's identity, they can be released without consent for statistical purposes.

The commissioner of the department and an institutional review board would have to approve use of a blood sample in any public health programs.

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