IPRD Director Pradeep Bhide Advocates for HB-1043: Transforming Newborn Screening with Whole Genome Sequencing
Dr. Pradeep Bhide, Director of the Florida State University Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases (IPRD), addressed the House Healthcare Facilities and Systems Subcommittee, chaired by Representative Adam Anderson (R- Palm Harbor), on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 to advocate for the Andrew John Anderson Rapid Genome Sequencing Program under HB-1043.
Dr. Bhide emphasized the program’s transformative potential in advancing newborn screening and reducing healthcare costs statewide.
Highlighting the need for innovation, Dr. Bhide urged lawmakers to expand the program beyond at-risk newborns in intensive care units to include healthy infants, ensuring broader access to life-saving genomic technology. “Florida’s healthcare system is at a crossroads, and we have critical choices to make,” Dr. Bhide stated. “We can continue with traditional newborn screening methods—limited in scope and reliant on symptomatic presentations—or we can embrace cutting-edge technology that aligns with the state’s commitment to improving public health.”
Dr. Bhide detailed the substantial healthcare cost savings achievable through early diagnosis and intervention enabled by rapid genome sequencing. The proposed program aligns with Florida’s vision to lead in public health innovation and pediatric care excellence.
Below is the full transcript of Dr. Bhide’s statement:
Full transcript of Dr. Bhide's remarks to the House Healthcare Facilities and Systems Subcommittee in support of HB-1043 (Andrew John Anderson Rapid Genome Sequencing Program)
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Chairman Anderson and Members of the Florida Healthcare Facilities & Systems Subcommittee,
Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today about the transformative potential of the Andrew John Anderson Rapid Genome Sequencing Program.
My name is Pradeep Bhide. I am a professor at FSU and the Director of the Florida State University Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases.
Today, I am here to thank the committee for discussing the importance of newborn whole genome sequencing and would like to encourage you to explore expanding the program to include all newborns in Florida, beyond those in intensive care units to maximize the impact and reach of the program.
Newborn whole genome sequencing represents a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, offering unprecedented opportunities to improve the health and well-being of Floridians from the very first days of life.
By sequencing the genome of every newborn baby, we can:
- Detect Rare Genetic Conditions Early: Whole genome sequencing enables early diagnosis of genetic disorders, allowing timely treatments like those for spinal muscular atrophy, which work best in the first weeks of life.
- Extend Whole Genome Sequencing Beyond the NICU: Currently whole genome sequencing is used in neonatal intensive care units or NICUs. It should be offered to all newborns. A study published last year in the Journal of the American Medical Association identified actionable conditions in nearly 4 out of 100 healthy infants that might have gone undiagnosed otherwise.
- Save Costs and Improve Care: While the initial costs may seem significant, whole genome sequencing saves up to $500,000 per child by enabling early intervention, reducing diagnostic delays, and preventing unnecessary procedures.
Florida’s healthcare system is at a crossroads, and we have choices to make. We can continue with traditional newborn screening methods—limited in scope and reliant on symptomatic presentations—or we can embrace cutting-edge technology that aligns with the state’s commitment to improving public health.
Implementing newborn whole genome sequencing would place Florida among national leaders in pediatric healthcare innovation, demonstrating our dedication to ensuring that every child has the best possible start in life.
Thank you for listening and for considering this important initiative. I’m happy to answer any questions you have.