W. Va. Code § 16-22-1: Findings.

The Legislature finds that phenylketonuria, galactosemia, hypothyroidism, and certain other diseases are usually associated with intellectual disability or other severe health hazards. Laboratory tests are readily available to aid in the detection of these diseases and hazards to the health of those suffering from these diseases may be lessened or prevented by early detection and treatment. Damage from these diseases, if untreated in the early months of life, is usually rapid and not appreciably affected by treatment.