Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Health intends to consider amending 12VAC5-71, Regulations Governing Virginia Newborn Screening Services. The purpose of the proposed action is to remove outdated information and reflect recommended national best practices in newborn screening; identify the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee and remove the Virginia Genetics Advisory Committee as the advisory group for this regulation; and clarify reporting requirements following a 2021 periodic review.

Blood spot newborn screening services are provided by the Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). On a national level, genetic disorders are included in the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) of the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children. Additions of disorders to Virginia's newborn screening panel in alignment with the RUSP are recommended by the Virginia Newborn Screening Advisory Committee. Currently, there are 33 heritable disorders and diseases on the Virginia newborn screening panel. VDH is recommending the regulations be amended to reflect current practices and updated scientific information relevant to newborn screening. This regulatory action seeks to clarify content that may be unclear, inconsistent, or obsolete, and ensure consistency with the RUSP.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-67 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: January 4, 2023.

Agency Contact: Vanessa Walker-Harris, Director, Office of Family Health Services, Virginia Department of Health, 109 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 864-7627, or email vanessa.walkerharris@vdh.virginia.gov.