Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2005-005)
The legal basis is Section 11 of Republic Act No. 9288, known as the Newborn Screening Act of 2004, and Section 19-d of its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
The Advisory Committee on Newborn Screening (ACNBS) reviews and the Newborn Screening Center (NSC) recommends the newborn screening fee.
The maximum allowable service fee is prescribed by the Department of Health (DOH) and must not be exceeded. As per DOH Administrative Order No. 2005-005, the maximum is P50.00.
The Newborn Screening Fee or cost for the specimen collection kit is set at P550.00 by the Newborn Screening Center.
All newborn screening centers and all health facilities collecting newborn screening samples, including hospitals, lying-ins, rural health units, health centers, and other similar facilities from both government and private sectors, must comply.
The main objective is to standardize the newborn screening fee for the specimen collection kit and set the maximum allowable service fee to make newborn screening more affordable and accessible.
A.O. No. 1, s. 2000 (Policies on the Nationwide Implementation of Newborn Screening System) and A.O. No. 121, s. 2003 (Strengthening Implementation of the National Newborn Screening System) and related issuances inconsistent with the current order were repealed.
It took effect fifteen (15) days after filing with the University of the Philippines Law Center.
Section 19-d of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9288 mandates this provision.
To prevent exorbitant overhead costs which could make newborn screening unaffordable, thereby ensuring wider accessibility and affordability to parents.