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ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor Ch. 418
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(5) Provide lead poisoning [screening] TESTING on a sliding fee scale at
sites designated by local health departments for children unable to afford lead
poisoning [screening] TESTING[; and
(6) Employ an initial questionnaire to assess children's exposure to
potential lead hazards, except that children residing in at risk areas identified under
subsection (e) of this section shall be screened by a blood test for lead poisoning].
(e) The Secretary shall target efforts AND RESOURCES to promote and to
provide blood tests for lead poisoning in at risk areas, as identified by:
(1) Census tract and zip code information noting areas with large
concentrations of pre-1978 housing; and
(2) Highest rates of lead poisoning as evidenced by information provided
to and by the Childhood Lead Registry established and maintained by the
Department of the Environment.
(d) The Secretary shall require HEALTH CARE providers caring for children
[in areas designated as at risk for lead poisoning, as determined under subsection (e)
of this section,] to administer a blood test for lead poisoning of [children] EACH
CHILD IN THE STATE:
(1) [Within the time frame specified in regulations adopted by the
Department; or] AT 12 AND 24 MONTHS OF AGE; AND
(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.
(e) The Secretary may include information on blood testing for lead poisoning
collected under this section, § 7-403 of the Education Article, and §§ 6-303 and 6-304
of the Environment Article on any immunization registry developed by the
Department.
(f) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, this section does not
require blood testing of a child whose parent or guardian, in accordance with
regulations adopted by the Secretary, objects to the testing on the ground that it
conflicts with the parent's or guardian's bona fide religious beliefs and practices.
(2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply if the responses of the
child's parent or guardian on a questionnaire furnished by the Secretary and
administered by a pediatrician indicate that the child is at high risk for lead
poisoning.
Article—Education
7-403.
(a) (1) In cooperation with the State Board and the Medical and Chirurgical
Faculty of Maryland, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene shall adopt rules
and regulations regarding blood tests for lead poisoning required of children entering
schools.
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