NJ A4848

Licensed health care professionals providing prenatal care (physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, certified nurse midwives, and certified midwives) must assess pregnant patients for lead exposure risk factors based on CDC and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines

If a screening cannot be performed by the initial provider, the patient must be referred in writing to another qualified health care professional who can conduct the lead screening

When elevated blood lead levels are detected, the health care professional must notify the patient in writing with plain-language explanation of the significance of lead poisoning and ensure any children under age six in the household are screened

Lead screening is not required if the patient objects in writing or if another provider has already conducted the required screening during the pregnancy

Laboratories must report lead screening test results within five business days to the Department of Health, local health department, and the submitting health care professional, with records maintained in a confidential central database