District Of Columbia § 7-834 - Principles governing newborn screening.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 7-834 — Principles governing newborn screening., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7-834. Principles governing newborn screening.
7-834The Mayor shall insure that:
Carriers of metabolic disorders should not be stigmatized and should not be discriminated against by any person within the District of Columbia;
District of Columbia policy regarding metabolic disorders should be made with full public knowledge, in light of expert opinion, and should be periodically reviewed to consider changing medical knowledge and ensure full public protection; and
Participation of persons in metabolic disorder programs in the District of Columbia should be wholly voluntary, and that all information obtained from persons involved in metabolic disorder programs in the District of Columbia should be held strictly confidential, except as provided for in subparagraph (D) of this paragraph; and that in carrying out the mandate of this paragraph the Mayor shall further insure that:
No test be performed on any newborn over the objections of his or her parent and that no test be performed unless such parent is fully informed of the purpose of testing for metabolic disorders, and is given a reasonable opportunity to object to such testing;
No program requires mandatory participation, or restriction of childbearing, or be a prerequisite to eligibility for, or receipt of, any other service or assistance from or to participation in any other program;
All participants in programs on metabolic disorders be protected from undue physical or mental harm, be informed of the nature of risks involved in participation in such a program or project, be informed of the nature and cost of available therapies or maintenance programs for those affected by metabolic disorders, and be informed of the possible benefits and risks of such therapies and programs; and
Except for statistical data compiled without reference to the identity of any individual, all information obtained from any individual or from specimens from any newborn shall be held confidential and be considered a confidential medical record except for such information as the parent consents to be released. The parent must be informed of the scope of the information requested to be released and the purpose for releasing such information, prior to the release of any confidential information.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 7-834
What does D.C. Code § 7-834 cover?
Section 7-834 ("Principles governing newborn screening.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 7-834?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 7-834" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 7-834 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.