§ 44-53-1360 — Program for early diagnosis of cases of childhood lead poisoning; examinations; records.

(A) The department may establish a program for the early diagnosis of cases of childhood lead poisoning. The program must provide for systematic examination for lead poisoning of children at risk residing within the State. Examinations must be made by such means and at such intervals as the department determines to be medically necessary. The program must give priority in examinations to those children residing, or who have recently resided, in areas where significant numbers of lead poisoning cases have been reported recently or where other reliable evidence indicates that significant numbers of lead poisoning cases may be found. (B) When the department is notified of a case of lead poisoning, the department shall examine or refer for examination within thirty days all other children under six years of age, and other children as the department finds advisable to examine, residing or recently residing in the household of the victim or in all other dwelling units in the dwelling of the victim or in a childcare facility occupied by the victim, unless the parents or guardian of the child objects to the examination because it conflicts with his or her religious beliefs or practices. The department shall maintain comprehensive records of all examinations conducted pursuant to this section. These records are strictly confidential and may not be released except as required by law or by court order.

Legislative History

HISTORY: 1979 Act No. 78, SECTION 6; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1119; 2005 Act No. 142, SECTION 1, eff June 7, 2005.