June 7, 2004
DEPARTMENT
MEMO
No. 59
series 2004
ESTABLISHMENT AND ACCREDITATION OF NEWBORN
SCREENING CENTERS
This is with regards to Republic Act 9288 otherwise known as the Newborn Screening Act of 2004. It is hereby emphasized that Section 12 of the said law mandates the DOH to ensure Newborn Screening Centers are strategically located in order for newborn screening to be readily accessible to the public. Furthermore, it states that “No Newborn Screening Center shall be allowed to operate unless it has been duly accredited by the DOH in partnership with the National Institute of Health (NIH).” The establishment of Newborn Screening Centers shall be phased accordingly.
In this regard,
it is stressed that no hospitals or freestanding laboratories are allowed to
operate a Newborn Screening Laboratory without the expressed approval of the
DOH. A health facility may offer newborn screening services as collecting and referral
centers only but is strictly prohibited to operate newborn screening laboratories
without formal accreditation from DOH.
Rules and
regulations for accreditation shall be strictly adhered to by the DOH.
For your
immediate compliance.
MANUEL M.
DAYRIT, MD, MSc.
Secretary of
Health
No comments:
Post a Comment