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Relating to an electronic portal for disclosures and consent regarding certain newborn screening information.
Under current labor and delivery procedures, medical professionals are required to test newborns after birth in order to ensure neurological components are functioning normally. For example, an APGAR (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration) test checks for certain hearing and tracking abilities. Parental consent for these tests is required.
SB 1404 would direct the Health and Human Service Commission to establish a process for allowing parents to give consent electronically, including through audio or video recording, for newborn screenings. The bill would require HHSC to determine the manner of storing electronic consent records and ensure the newborn's attending physician has access to the electronic consent. The bill would allow a request for consent to be sent to the parents, guardian, or managing conservator through written or electronic means.
This bill is allows but does not require a birthing facility, or person required to obtain consent, to use the process created by the department.
Since this is a matter that does not concern liberty principles, Texas Action has a neutral stance towards SB 1404.