(A26, R33, S394)

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-37-30, RELATING TO NEONATAL TESTING OF CHILDREN, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN NOTIFICATIONS OF ABNORMAL RESULTS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

Neonatal testing

SECTION 1.    Section 44-37-30(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(B)(1) Information obtained as a result of the tests conducted pursuant to this section is confidential and may be released only to a parent or legal guardian of the child, the child's physician, and the child when eighteen years of age or older when requested on a form promulgated in regulation by the department.

(2) If the results of the neonatal testing are abnormal, the department may recommend additional testing and, in addition to the notification requirements established in Section 44-37-30(B)(1), notify one or more of the following to ensure timely provision of follow-up services:

(a) the physician or health care provider attending the child's birth or his designee;

(b) the physician or health care provider responsible for newborn care in the hospital; or

(c) the physician or health care provider identified for follow-up care after the newborn's discharge from the hospital.

(3) If the results of the neonatal testing are abnormal, time-sensitive, or time-critical, the department may, in addition to notification requirements established in Section 44-37-30(B)(1) and (2), notify and provide information about the abnormal, time-sensitive, or time-critical screening results to a qualified pediatric specialist in accordance with guidelines established by the department's Newborn Screening Advisory Committee for the timely provision of the follow-up services.

Time effective

SECTION 2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Ratified the 11th day of May, 2023.

Approved the 16th day of May, 2023.

This web page was last updated on June 14, 2023 at 1:29 PM