Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

Committee Report

May 3, 2023

S. 394

Introduced by Senator Rice

S. Printed 05/03/23--H.

Read the first time February 28, 2023

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The committee on HOUSE Medical, MILITARY, PUBLIC AND MUNICIPAL Affairs

To who was referred a Bill (S.394) 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 the notification, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

SYLLESTE DAVIS for Committee.

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A bill

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 THE NOTIFICATION OF THE CHILD'S PRIMARY PROVIDER AND A QUALIFIED PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST OF ABNORMAL NEWBORN SCREENING RESULTS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

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

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.

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

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