http://www.senate.state.tx.us/avarchive/?yr=2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 14, 2009
Texas Senate passes Greyson's Law to expand newborn screenings
The Texas Senate on Thursday unanimously adopted a bill by Sen. Carlos Uresti that will expand the state's genetic disease screening program for newborns.
Senate Bill 1720 was dubbed Greyson's Law for Greyson Morris, who died just short of his first birthday of Krabbe disease, a degenerative disorder of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Early detection of the disorder could have prevented Greyson's death.
The American College of Medical Genetics recommends that newborns be tested for 54 treatable disorders. Currently, the Department of State Health Services is required to screen for only 29 disorders in the ACMG screening profile. Greyson's Law will raise the number to 49, with only a minimal cost to the state.
"Early detection can mean the difference between life and death for a newborn child," Uresti said. "For about the same cost of treating one undiagnosed child, we can expand the screening program for newborns across the entire state."
The bill will also create a Newborn Screening Advisory Committee to develop recommendations and research concerning mandatory expanded newborn screenings.
Uresti commended Greyson's parents, Bill and Nicole Morris, for their unwavering support for the bill, saying, "They made sure that everyone involved in the legislative process knew the importance of this bill and its potential to save children's lives."
Senator Uresti represents Senate District 19, a 55,000 square mile area extending from the city of San Antonio in Bexar County to the Lower Valley of El Paso County and including approximately 750,000 people. The largest legislative district in the nation, it spans two time zones and contains nine of the 14 border counties in Texas, two-thirds of the U.S.-Mexico border within Texas, and all or part of 23 counties. Senate District 19 is home to five U.S. ports of entry, three U.S. toll bridges, 62 school districts, seven military sites, six state parks, and two national parks.
The Texas Senate on Thursday unanimously adopted a bill by Sen. Carlos Uresti that will expand the state's genetic disease screening program for newborns.
Senate Bill 1720 was dubbed Greyson's Law for Greyson Morris, who died just short of his first birthday of Krabbe disease, a degenerative disorder of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Early detection of the disorder could have prevented Greyson's death.
The American College of Medical Genetics recommends that newborns be tested for 54 treatable disorders. Currently, the Department of State Health Services is required to screen for only 29 disorders in the ACMG screening profile. Greyson's Law will raise the number to 49, with only a minimal cost to the state.
"Early detection can mean the difference between life and death for a newborn child," Uresti said. "For about the same cost of treating one undiagnosed child, we can expand the screening program for newborns across the entire state."
The bill will also create a Newborn Screening Advisory Committee to develop recommendations and research concerning mandatory expanded newborn screenings.
Uresti commended Greyson's parents, Bill and Nicole Morris, for their unwavering support for the bill, saying, "They made sure that everyone involved in the legislative process knew the importance of this bill and its potential to save children's lives."
Senator Uresti represents Senate District 19, a 55,000 square mile area extending from the city of San Antonio in Bexar County to the Lower Valley of El Paso County and including approximately 750,000 people. The largest legislative district in the nation, it spans two time zones and contains nine of the 14 border counties in Texas, two-thirds of the U.S.-Mexico border within Texas, and all or part of 23 counties. Senate District 19 is home to five U.S. ports of entry, three U.S. toll bridges, 62 school districts, seven military sites, six state parks, and two national parks.
3 comments:
Nicole, I can't begin to tell you how happy I am that your hard work has brought this Law to life!! I know it has not been without struggle, and I know God has brought you through this.........what a blessing you are to so many!
I added a link to your blog on mind today, because knowing you is one of the things I am truly thankful for.
You son passed on so you and your huspand could pave the way for so many future children to be healty. Thank you Grey, I know you are smiling from heaven...
This is so awesome! I am so happy for you guys. Your persistence and strength is amazing. I know Grey is so proud of you.
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