AN ACT REQUIRING NEWBORN SCREENING FOR DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY.

This bill requires hospitals to screen all newborns in the state for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) as part of routine newborn screening. It amends existing law to add DMD to the list of conditions screened for at birth, directly affecting every infant born in the state. The key mechanism is updating the statutory screening requirements under section 19a-55 to include DMD, ensuring early detection through standard medical testing. This policy change aims to identify the condition sooner, enabling earlier intervention and care planning. The bill does not create new programs but integrates DMD screening into current newborn health protocols.