Senate Bill No. 174, introduced by Senator Jackson-Andrews, amends the existing law regarding the screening of pregnant women for HIV and syphilis. The bill mandates that licensed physicians providing prenatal care must order blood tests for HIV and syphilis during the pregnant woman's first prenatal visit and again during her first prenatal care visit in the third trimester, or as soon as possible thereafter. Additionally, physicians attending a pregnant woman during labor and delivery are also required to order these tests. The bill stipulates that the pregnant woman must be notified that testing will occur, and consent is considered implied unless she explicitly declines.

The bill also modifies the responsibilities of other licensed medical professionals who attend pregnant women but are not authorized to take blood samples. These professionals must ensure that HIV and syphilis blood tests are ordered at the specified intervals unless patient records indicate that testing has already been conducted. The language of the bill emphasizes the importance of patient notification and consent while streamlining the process for testing during critical periods of prenatal care. The act will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated time for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
SB174 Original: