Ch. 178

2003 LAWS OF MARYLAND

PROVIDED UNDER ITEM 1 OF THIS ITEM, AS DETERMINED BY REGULATION, to the
local health department in the jurisdiction where the child resides.

(3) Any requirement for the administration of pertussis vaccine shall be
consistent with § 18-332(b) of the Health - General Article.

(b) (1) Unless the Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene declares an
emergency or an epidemic of disease, a child whose parent or guardian objects to
immunization on the ground that it conflicts with the parent's or guardian's bona fide
religious beliefs and practices may not be required to present a physician's
certification of immunization in order to be admitted to school.

(2) The Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene shall adopt rules and
regulations for religious exemptions under this subsection.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland
read as follows:

Article - Health - General

18-106.

(d) The Secretary shall require providers caring for children in areas
designated as at risk for lead poisoning, as determined under subsection (c) of this
section, to administer a blood test for lead poisoning of children:

(1) DURING PREVENTIVE HEALTH MAINTENANCE SERVICES PROVIDED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARD PRACTICE FOR PEDIATRIC CARE:

(i) [By age 12 months] AT THE CHILD'S 12-MONTH VISIT; and

(ii) [By age 24 months] AT THE CHILD'S 24-MONTH VISIT; or

(1)      WITHIN THE TIME FRAME SPECIFIED IN REGULATIONS ADOPTED BY
THE DEPARTMENT; OR

(2)     In accordance with the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention for children over age 24 months who have not received a blood test for
lead poisoning.

SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, subject to the provisions
of Sections 1 and 2 of this Act, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene shall
consult with the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning before adopting rules and
regulations regarding blood tests for lead poisoning.

SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 2 of this Act shall
take effect on the taking effect of the termination provision specified in Section 2 of
Chapter 337 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2002. If that termination provision
takes effect, Section 1 of this Act shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect.
This Act may not be interpreted to have any effect on that termination provision.

SECTION 6. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, subject to the provisions
of Section 5 of this Act, this Act shall take effect July 1, 2003.

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