1. (a) This section does not apply to a woman who objects to a standard serological syphilis test because the test is against the religious beliefs and practices of the woman.

2. (b)

   1. (1) The health care provider attending a woman for pregnancy shall submit to a medical laboratory:

      1. (i) A blood sample taken from the woman at the time that the health care provider first examines the woman;

      2. (ii) A blood sample taken from the woman in the third trimester at:

         1. 1. The prenatal visit at 28 weeks of gestation; or
         2. 2. The first prenatal visit after 28 weeks of gestation; and

      3. (iii) 1. A blood sample taken from the woman who delivers a live born infant at the time of delivery; or

         1. 2. A blood sample taken from the woman who delivers a stillborn infant:

            1. A. At 20 weeks of gestation or later; or
            2. B. Weighing at least 500 grams.
   2. (2) The medical laboratory to which a blood sample is submitted shall do a standard serological syphilis test that is approved by the Department.
3. (c) A hospital shall determine the syphilis serologic status of the mother before discharging the newborn for the purposes of neonatal evaluation and treatment.
4. (d) The Department may adopt rules, regulations, and standards under this section.

Added by Acts 1982, c. 21, § 2, eff. July 1, 1982. Amended by Acts 2024, c. 752, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2024.

Formerly Art. 43, § 31B.