Newborn Screening Advisory Committee
In 2009, the Texas Legislature amended Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 33 to create the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee (committee). In 2013, the Legislature amended the Texas Health and Safety Code, Section §33.017, to establish the minimum number of committee members.
The committee advises the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on strategic planning, policy, rules, and services related to newborn screening. The committee may also recommend that DSHS require additional newborn screening tests. The DSHS commissioner appoints committee members.
Upcoming Meetings
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| November 17, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. | Robert D. Moreton Building – M-100, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756 |
Future meeting dates and related information are subject to change.
Past Meetings and Materials
Archived videos of meeting webcasts are available for viewing for approximately two years from the date the meeting was posted on the website, and based on the DSHS records retention schedule.
Committee Roster
| Name | City | Membership Category | Term Expiration | Public Health Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beryl Pamela Andrews | Austin | Family member affected by a condition | TBD | 7 |
| Uche Chibueze-Akonobi, Psy.D., ABPP | Pearland | Individual or family member affected by sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease | TBD | 6/5 |
| Melissa Frei-Jones, M.D., M.S.C.I. | San Antonio | Health care provider involved in the delivery of services, follow-up, or treatment of people with sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease | TBD | 8 |
| Audrey Barnett, MSN, RNC-NIC | Houston | Health care provider | TBD | 6/5 |
| Alice K. Gong, M.D. | San Antonio | Physician | TBD | 8 |
| Charleta Guillory, M.D., M.P.H. | Houston | Physician specializing in neonatal-perinatal medicine | TBD | 6/5 |
| Presiding Chair Tiffany McKee-Garrett, M.D. | Houston | Hospital representative | TBD | 6/5 |
| Fernando Scaglia, M.D. | Houston | Health care provider | TBD | 6/5 |
| Joseph Schneider, M.D. | Dallas | Physician | TBD | 2/3 |
| Elizabeth Kaili Stehel, M.D. | Dallas | Hospital representative | TBD | 2/3 |
| Michael E. Speer, M.D. | Houston | Physician specializing in neonatal-perinatal medicine | TBD | 6/5 |
| Audrey Taylor Morris, Au.D., ABAC | Richmond | Family member affected by a condition | TBD | 6/5 |
| Vacant | - | Physician | TBD | - |
Committee Documents
Committee Contact
Phone
512-939-1216