Requires cytomegalovirus screening for every newborn

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Leroy Comrie says this is needed

Chapter 307 of the laws of 2018 requires that all newborns who fail their initial hearing screening be tested for cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common congenital viral infection and the leading non-genetic cause of deafness in children. While most CMV infections do not cause harm to adults and those infected may not show any signs or symptoms, the effects have the potential to be devastating to a newborn. There are 20,000 to 40,000 infants born with CMV and nationwide roughly 400 chil- dren die from CMV annually. Despite many infants appearing asymptomatic at birth, at least 20 percent of those with CMV will have permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, microcephaly, intellectual deficits, and vision abnormalities. Failure of an initial hearing screening after birth is often an indica- tor of a CMV infection, however, it does not identify all newborns carrying the infection. By testing all newborns for CMV, regardless of the outcome of a hearing screening, we can quickly link them to treat- ments designed to improve hearing and developmental outcomes.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.