The Florida Department of Health is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment as members of the Florida Genetics and Newborn Screening Advisory Council (GNSAC).
Nominations are being sought to fill one position for a medical school representative on the Council, starting in 2021 and serving a term of up to four years.
To apply for consideration for Council membership, please complete the following application: Department of Health Appointment Questionnaire.
GNSAC Information
Section 383.14(5), Florida Statutes, establishes a 15 member advisory council, which meets at least semiannually or upon the call of the chairperson. The Council is charged with advising the Department of Health relating to:
- Conditions for which testing should be included under the screening program and the genetics program. Within one year after a condition is added to the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel, the council shall consider whether the condition should be included under the state’s screening program.
- Procedures for collection and transmission of specimens and recording results.
- Methods whereby screening programs and genetics services for children now provided or proposed to be offered in the state may be more effectively evaluated, coordinated, and consolidated.
The Genetics and Newborn Screening Advisory Council (GNSAC) membership enlists a large array of expertise ranging from pediatricians, audiologists, representatives from each of the four medical schools in this state, pediatric hematologist, the Florida Hospital Association, as well as executive representation from the Florida Department of Health. Each member, appointed by the State Surgeon General, serves a term of four years.
As outlined in Statute, the council membership shall be composed of:
The State Surgeon General or their designee
- Carina Blackmore, MS Vet Med, PhD
One representative from the Department of Health’s Children’s Medical Services
- Robert D. Karch, MD, MPH, FAAP
One representative from the Florida Hospital Association
- Lindsay Khan, DO
Three practicing pediatricians, at least one of whom must be a pediatric hematologist
- Barry Byrne, MD
- Mark Weatherly, MD
- *Paul Pitel, MD (Hematologist)
One individual representing audiologists
- Robert C. Fifer, PhD
A representative from each of four medical schools in this state
- Dorothy Shulman, MD – USF
- Gary Kleiner, MD, PhD – UM
- Roberto Zori, MD – UF
- Vacant
Two consumer members
- George Fox
- Heather Smith
One individual with experience in newborn screening programs
- Brian Kirk, March of Dimes
One representative from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities
- Lori Gephart
Genetics and Newborn Screening Advisory Council Statistics
- GNSAC Statistics — 2001 to 2010
- GNSAC Statistics — 2011 to 2020
*This report is updated prior to each GNSAC meeting