August 2019

Notice: Establishment of the District of Columbia Committee on Metabolic Disorders 

This Notice serves to establish the Committee on Metabolic Disorders as the formal advisory body to the District of Columbia Department of Health on all matters related to newborn metabolic conditions. The Community Health Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018 (D.C. Law 22-290) repealed the District of Columbia Newborn Screening Requirement Act of 1979 (D.C. Law 3-65; D.C. Official Code § 7-831 et seq.), which established a Committee of Metabolic Disorders for the District of Columbia, without adding new language to establish such a Committee. As the work of this Committee is vital to the health and safety of all District newborns, it is critical that the Committee exist to review the latest evidence and provide recommendations to DC Health around early identification and management of newborn metabolic disorders as well as the family support services needed.     

The members of the Committee include subject matter experts from multiple health care systems and residents with direct experience who choose to serve the District voluntarily and who have a deep commitment to newborns and families. DC Health relies on their thoughtful and well-researched recommendations to ensure strong systems of care for metabolic conditions and to protect our youngest residents.

DC Health is committed to continue providing the Committee with administrative support and to provide any assistance needed to recruit members and to implement operating procedures. DC Health will also link the work of the Committee to other District efforts that support perinatal and infant health. 

For further information, please contact Anita Thurakal, MD, MPH, Perinatal and Infant Health Division Chief, at 202-442-9340.