Bill > SB1283

This bill amends Tennessee's existing law on maternal health screening by requiring physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare providers attending pregnant women to conduct expanded blood testing. Specifically, the bill mandates that a blood sample must be taken during the first prenatal examination and tested for several conditions, including a new requirement to test for hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) with an automatic follow-up test (HCV RNA) if the initial antibody test is reactive. The bill maintains existing requirements for testing syphilis, rubella immunity, and hepatitis B surface antigen, and keeps the existing protocols for testing at different stages of pregnancy, such as between the 28th and 32nd weeks of gestation and at delivery. Healthcare providers who are not legally permitted to take blood samples must arrange for a qualified health provider to conduct the required tests. The new testing requirements aim to improve early detection of infectious diseases in pregnant women, with all positive test results to be reported to the local health department. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving healthcare providers time to prepare for the new testing protocols.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1283&ga=114