Senate committee moves bill to require medical second opinions in suspected child abuse cases involving genetic conditions

The Senate Rules Committee on Monday reported favorably CS for CS for SB 304, legislation that would require child protective investigations to consider qualified medical opinions where preexisting genetic or medical conditions could explain injuries otherwise thought to be abuse.

Sponsor Senator Sharif told the committee the bill “ensures that children with preexisting genetic conditions are not wrongly separated from their families during child abuse investigations.” She described cases in which conditions such as osteogenesis imperfecta, Ehlers‑Danlos syndrome, rickets and other diagnoses can present with fractures or bruising that may be mistaken for physical abuse and said genetic testing can take months to return.

“a misdiagnosis can destroy a family and this legislation will strengthen our child protective system,” the sponsor closed, urging support. Senator Berman, among others, praised the bill and recounted moving testimony from families whose children remained separated for extended periods while samples were processed. The sponsor said the bill would require a DCF physician or APRN expert to analyze alleged victims’ cases and provide a summary before permanent removal from the home.

Three groups filed appearance forms in support; the bill’s sponsor said it had received unanimous committee support at prior stops and the House companion had also passed its first committee. The committee reported CS for CS for SB 304 favorably; the bill will move to the Senate floor for further action.