Bill > S0796

This bill amends an existing law about blood testing for pregnant women by expanding the requirement to obtain blood specimens from just physicians to now include midwives, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. Specifically, these healthcare providers must now collect a blood specimen from pregnant patients within 30 days of their first professional visit and again during the third trimester of pregnancy. The blood specimens must be submitted to the state health department's laboratory or an approved laboratory for a standard syphilis test (such as a Wassermann test). The bill maintains the existing penalty structure, where healthcare providers who fail to comply with this requirement can be fined between $10 and $100 for each violation, and the violation is classified as a misdemeanor. The bill will take effect immediately upon its passage, which means it will become law as soon as it is signed by the appropriate government official.

Health and Social Services

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