68-5-401 - Testing required Public policy. - Tennessee Statutes

68-5-401. Testing required Public policy.

(a)  (1)  The general assembly declares that, as a matter of public policy of this state and in the interest of public health, every newborn infant shall be tested for phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, galactosemia and other metabolic/genetic defects that would result in mental retardation or physical dysfunction as determined by the department, through rules and regulations duly promulgated in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, and that the people of this state shall be extensively informed as to the nature and effects of such defects.

     (2)  Every provider of prenatal care will adhere to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Centers for Disease Control recommendations for the prevention of Perinatal Group B Streptococcal Disease.

(b)  If the department levies a fee or charge for the cost of testing, it shall use the same billing and collection methods normally used by independent private laboratories. Any fee shall be waived for patients who are unable to pay.

[Acts 1985, ch. 333, § 1; 1991, ch. 504, § 1; 1997, ch. 312, § 1.]