Bill > HB916

This bill amends the Childhood Blood Lead Test Act to strengthen provisions for lead poisoning prevention, assessment, and testing for children and pregnant women. It clarifies that there is no safe blood lead level in children and that the effects of lead poisoning are irreversible. The bill introduces new definitions, including "birthing facility," "blood lead level" (measured in micrograms of lead per deciliter of whole blood, or µg/dL), "child" (under 72 months of age and a resident of the Commonwealth), "diagnostic blood lead level testing" (to confirm poisoning, diagnose symptoms, or assess significant exposure), "diagnostic evaluation" (including medical history, physical exam, blood lead testing, and source identification), "lead poisoning" (defined by specific blood lead level thresholds), and "lead-screening-related services" (including specimen collection, lab analysis, and evaluation). It repeals existing provisions and establishes new requirements for health care practitioners to ensure children receive at least one blood lead test by 12 months of age and a second by 24 months, with a further test between 24 and 72 months if not previously tested. Confirmatory tests are required for elevated levels, and annual screening tests are mandated for high-risk children. The bill also requires at least one blood lead test for pregnant women during prenatal care, with an option for parents or pregnant women to object in writing to testing on religious or moral grounds, in which case a diagnostic evaluation will be performed. Health insurance policies and government programs will be required to cover screening tests, lead-screening-related services, and diagnostic evaluations for children under 72 months and pregnant women, with specific timelines for implementation. The Department of Health will also provide these services for uninsured individuals. The bill also mandates that hospitals and birthing facilities provide educational materials about childhood lead poisoning to new parents and requires parents to sign an acknowledgment of receipt.