AR HB1136

Requires physicians and healthcare providers attending pregnant women to collect a venous blood sample as early as reasonably possible in pregnancy or at delivery for hepatitis C testing at an approved laboratory.

Allows pregnant women to decline testing, with the healthcare provider required to document the refusal in medical records, which relieves the provider and Department of Corrections of responsibility under this requirement.

Mandates that healthcare providers inform pregnant women that hepatitis C can be transmitted to unborn children and may be prevented through diagnosis and treatment, and provide counseling on hepatitis C based on state and federal standards.

Makes all patient records, reports, and data collected under this section confidential and not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act or discovery in civil proceedings.

Requires health benefit plans offered, issued, or renewed in Arkansas to provide coverage for hepatitis C screening during pregnancy at no cost (no deductibles or copayments) effective January 1, 2022.