Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023)
Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113)
Subtitle 2 - HEALTH AND SAFETY (§§ 20-6-101 — 20-38-113)
Chapter 15 - DISEASE AND DISEASE PREVENTION GENERALLY (§§ 20-15-101 — 20-15-2407)
Subchapter 3 - PHENYLKETONURIA, HYPOTHYROIDISM, AND SICKLE-CELL ANEMIA (§§ 20-15-301 — 20-15-304)
Section 20-15-304 - Administration by Department of Health

It shall be the duty of the Department of Health to:

• (1) Enforce this subchapter;

• (2) Prescribe the tests that may be administered in compliance with this subchapter;

• (3) Promulgate rules in conjunction with the Insurance Commissioner establishing:
  • (A) What persons and institutions shall be required to obtain specimens from newborn infants in compliance with this subchapter;
  • (B) The amount to be charged by the central laboratory for processing the specimens; and
  • (C) The method of billing the charges to the persons and institutions;

• (4) Furnish copies of this subchapter and the rules promulgated pursuant to this subchapter to physicians, hospitals, or other institutions or persons required by its rules to have tests administered to newborn infants;

• (5)
  • (A) Establish a central laboratory and to equip, staff, and operate the laboratory for the purpose of receiving specimens from physicians, hospitals, and institutions, to assure that tests are conducted, and to report findings resulting from the tests.
  • (B) Initial laboratory screening tests for conditions under this subchapter shall be performed by the department or its designee ;

• (6)
  • (A) Monitor positive test results and assist in treatment and care of affected infants, such follow-up procedures to begin no later than ten (10) days from the time a specimen is diagnosed as positive.
  • (B) The department shall monitor infants to assure appropriate testing to confirm the condition suggested by the screening test results; and

• (7) Disseminate information and advice to the public concerning the dangers and effects of conditions for which screening is performed by or for the State of Arkansas.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 490,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2023.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1936, eff. 7/24/2019.

Acts 1967, No. 192, § 2; 1981, No. 481, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 82-626; Acts 1987, No. 573, § 2; 2003, No. 1293, § 2.