The bill amends Section 23-24.6-7 of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act to enhance the screening process for lead poisoning in children under six years of age. It introduces new provisions that require the Department of Health to establish regulations for screening intervals and methods, mandates that all licensed physicians and health care facilities screen children at these specified intervals, and ensures that state-funded health programs include lead screening. Additionally, the bill allows parents to opt out of screening on religious grounds.

Significantly, the bill permits blood samples taken for lead level analysis to be sent to either the state laboratory or a clinical laboratory incorporated in Rhode Island, expanding the options for laboratory analysis. The Department of Health is also tasked with analyzing and summarizing lead screening data annually, making this information accessible to local and state agencies, the health care community, and the public in an understandable format. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
1005: 23-24.6-7