NEWBORN SCREENING ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

(a) The department shall establish the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee.

(b) The advisory committee consists of members appointed by the commissioner. The advisory committee must include the following members:

(1) at least four physicians licensed to practice medicine in this state, including at least two physicians specializing in neonatal-perinatal medicine;

(2) at least two hospital representatives;

(3) at least two persons who have family members affected by a condition for which newborn screening is or may be required under this subchapter; and

(4) at least two health care providers who are involved in the delivery of newborn screening services, follow-up, or treatment in this state.

(c) The advisory committee shall:

(1) advise the department regarding strategic planning, policy, rules, and services related to newborn screening and additional newborn screening tests for each disorder included in the list described by Section 33.011(a-1); and

(2) review the necessity of requiring additional screening tests, including an assessment of the test implementation costs to the department, birthing facilities, and other health care providers.

(d) The advisory committee shall adopt bylaws governing the committee's operations.

(e) The advisory committee may appoint subcommittees.

(f) The advisory committee shall meet at least three times each year and at other times at the call of the commissioner.

(g) A member of the advisory committee is not entitled to compensation, but is entitled to reimbursement for travel or other expenses incurred by the member while conducting the business of the advisory committee, as provided by the General Appropriations Act.

(h) The advisory committee is not subject to Chapter 2110, Government Code.