LAC 48:V.7005. Mandatory Blood Lead Screening of Children in High Risk Geographical Areas

A. Based on surveillance data gathered by the State Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and review by the state health officer and representatives from medical schools in the state, all parishes are identified as high risk for lead poisoning. B. Medical providers providing routine primary care services to children ages 6 months to 72 months residing or spending more than 10 hours per week in these parishes must have such children screened in accordance to practices consistent with current Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which include the following specifications: 1. administration of a risk assessment questionnaire at every well baby visit; 2. use a blood lead test to screen all children at ages 12 months and at 24 months or at any time from ages 36 months to 72 months, if they have not been previously screened; 3. blood lead levels >3.5μg/dl obtained from finger stick samples will be confirmed using a venous blood sample. C. Identified high-risk areas will be assessed annually and any additions or deletions will be provided through amendment of LAC 48:V.7005.