Oregon House Bill 2741 launches newborn blood spot screening support program

The Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health convened on April 17, 2025, to discuss several key pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing support for newborns and their families in Oregon. The meeting focused primarily on House Bill 2741 and House Bill 2941, both of which seek to improve health outcomes and access to resources for families.

The first item on the agenda was House Bill 2741, which establishes a newborn blood spot screening program. Representative Nelson emphasized the importance of this bill, stating that it aims to ensure that support for families does not end with the initial test results. The bill directs the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to expand education, follow-up care, and long-term support services for families affected by conditions identified through newborn screening. Nelson highlighted feedback from organizations like the Sickle Cell Foundation of Oregon, noting that many parents are unaware of the resources available to them. The bill is designed to ensure that these resources are utilized effectively, providing every newborn in Oregon with the best possible start to life, regardless of their diagnosis.

Following the presentation, committee members engaged in a discussion about the bill. Senator Anderson raised a question regarding the mention of "country" in the bill, seeking clarification on how the OHA would administer the program outside the United States. While the representative did not have the bill text on hand to provide a detailed answer, he assured the committee that he would follow up on the inquiry, indicating that the intent of the bill is not to extend the program internationally.

After concluding the discussion on House Bill 2741, Chair Reynolds temporarily closed the public hearing on this bill and opened the public hearing for House Bill 2941. This bill permits authorized facilities, including hospitals, doctors' offices, law enforcement stations, and fire stations, to participate in the newborn screening program. The details of this bill were introduced by a staff member, Katie, who provided further context for the committee.

The meeting underscored the Oregon State Legislature's commitment to improving health services for newborns and their families, with both bills reflecting a proactive approach to addressing gaps in support and education. The committee plans to continue discussions on these important legislative measures in future sessions.