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Department of Health and Human Services
Discretionary Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children

Discretionary Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children

The Discretionary Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children (DACHDNC) was established under the Public Health Service Act (PHS), 42 U.S.C. 217a: Advisory councils or committees. The DACHDNC will fulfill the functions previously undertaken by the former Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children (SACHDNC) established under the Section 1111 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, 42 U.S.C. 300b-10, as amended in the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2008 (Act). 

The mission of the Discretionary Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children is 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 awarded or funded related to screening heritable disorders in newborns and children. 
  • 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 on April 24, 2013.