Secretary's Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children

The Secretary's Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children works to reduce morbidity and mortality in newborns and children who have, or are at risk for, heritable disorders.

The Committee recommends that every newborn screening program include a Uniform Screening Panel (PDF - 2 pages) that screens for 31 core disorders and 26 secondary disorders; the disorders' selection was based on the Newborn Screening: Towards a Uniform Screening Panel and System (PDF - 329 pages).

The committee advises the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on the most appropriate application of universal newborn screening tests, technologies, policies, guidelines and standards. Specifically, the committee provides to the Secretary, the following:

Advice and recommendations concerning grants and projects authorized under the Heritable Disorders Program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration;
Technical information to develop Heritable Disorders Program policies and priorities will enhance the ability of the state and local health agencies to provide screening, counseling and health care services for newborns and children who have or are at risk for heritable disorders; and
Recommendations, advice and information to enhance, expand or improve the ability of the Secretary to reduce mortality and morbidity from heritable disorders in newborns and children.

The committee was chartered in February 2003.