Would Establish Newborn Screening Advisory Committee
Showing support for a measure that would revise New Jersey’s newborn screening program for congenital disorders, Assemblyman John F. McKeon
(D-Essex, Morris) issued the following statement Monday regarding a bill requiring the Commissioner of Health to establish a Newborn Screening Advisory Review Committee consisting of medical, hospital, and public health officials, as well as scientific experts and consumer representatives.
The bill (A-2705), of which McKeon is primary sponsor, cleared the Assembly Women and Children’s Committee Monday:
“The importance of this type of advisory committee cannot be underestimated as they will have the authority and expertise to make recommendations on congenital disorder screenings, technological screenings, treatment options, education and follow-up procedures.
“Newborn screenings are essential to the overall health and wellbeing of children, because they screen, identify and link them to crucial resources sooner than later. When a potential congenital disorder is diagnosed early in a child’s life, it increases the likelihood of that child receiving early intervention treatment which in turn can lead to a better health outcome.”