Louisiana Genetic Disease Program Advisory Committee

The Louisiana Genetic Diseases Program Advisory Committee was established in April 1987 through  Louisiana Administrative Code tit 48, § V-6901, and advises the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health on policies and activities related to detecting, preventing, and managing genetic and congenital conditions, including the Louisiana Newborn Screening Program.

The committee ensures that the Louisiana Genetic Diseases Program practices reflect current scientific, medical, and ethical standards to improve health outcomes for individuals and families affected by genetic disorders in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 40:1081.1. Learn more by visiting the Louisiana Genetic Diseases Program webpage.

Responsibilities of the Louisiana Genetic Disease Program Advisory Committee

  • Newborn screening: Reviews and advises on adding new conditions to the state's newborn screening panel.

  • Legislation and policy: Assists the Louisiana Department of Health in developing standards and policies for genetic services and legislation.

  • Rules and regulations: Consults with the Louisiana Department of Health on the rules and regulations needed to run the Louisiana Genetic Diseases Program.

  • Education: Helps develop educational programs for health professionals and the public about genetic diseases.

Goals and Priorities of the Louisiana Genetic Disease Program Advisory Committee

  • Assist the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, in developing standards for the implementation of Louisiana Revised Statute 40:1081.2 et seq., and in developing any new legislation affecting genetic services.

  • Consult with and assist the Office of Public Health in setting policy and the scope of services.

  • Participate with the Office of Public Health in developing and maintaining educational programs among health professionals and the lay public on the services offered by the Louisiana Genetic Diseases Program and on genetic disorders.

  • Consult with the Office of Public Health regarding the promulgation of rules and regulations necessary for the conduct of the Louisiana Genetic Diseases Program.

Membership

The Louisiana Genetic Diseases Program Advisory Committee was established to provide expert guidance on medical genetic disorders in Louisiana, following federal recommendations. Members are appointed by the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Public Health based on Louisiana Genetic Diseases Program staff recommendations and with approval from the Office of Public Health Medical Director.

Members must be knowledgeable in medical genetic conditions or disorders, all medical schools in Louisiana must be represented, and the committee must include professionals from genetics, pediatrics, obstetrics, and hematology. The committee must also include representation from Office of Public Health programs, including but not limited to nutrition, the Office of Public Health Laboratory, social work, the Children’s Special Healthcare Services Program, maternal and child health, and any physicians affiliated with these programs. Two consumer representatives also serve on the committee. To apply or nominate someone for a seat on this advisory committee, please email BFHPolicy@la.gov. 

Member Name Member Seat
Hans Andersson, MD Genetics
Mark Dal Corso, MD Pediatrics
Dolinda Werling-Baye, RDN Nutrition
Jasmine Paul, MHS, MLS (ASCP) Office of Public Health Laboratory
Michelle Duplantier, LCSW-BACS Social Work
Cheryl Harris, MSW, MPH Children’s Special Healthcare Services
Joseph Bocchini, Jr., MD Physicians affiliated with these programs
Tiffany Allemand Consumer representative
Vacant Consumer representative
Vacant Maternal and Child Health
Vacant Hematology
Vacant Obstetrics

Meeting Information: Schedule, Agendas, and Minutes

The Louisiana Genetic Diseases Program Advisory Committee is required to hold at least one regular meeting each year, as stated in Louisiana Administrative Code tit 48, § V-6901.

To request an accommodation for a public meeting or event hosted by the Louisiana Genetic Diseases Program Advisory Committee, please email GDPAC@la.gov. Accommodations include, but are not limited to, requests for interpreters, accessible seating, large print, virtual attendance, and more.

2024 Meetings
2023 Meetings
2022 Meetings

For more information, contact the Bureau of Family Health Genetic Diseases Program Advisory Committee Facilitator:

Cheryl.Harris@la.gov
Bureau of Family Health, Genetic Diseases and Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Programs Manager

Surgeon General Evelyn Griffin, MD

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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