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HB 111

Public Health - As enacted, adds as a disease for which a laboratory must test during a standard serological test of a pregnant woman hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) with automatic reflex to HCV RNA if anti-HCV is reactive, and makes certain other changes to the process of conducting required pregnancy serological tests. - Amends TCA Section 68-5-602.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by William Lamberth

Tennessee now requires laboratories to automatically test pregnant women for hepatitis C antibodies during standard pregnancy screening, with confirmatory RNA testing if positive.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 46
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Bill Summary · HB 111

Legislative bill overview

HB 111 requires laboratories in Tennessee to add hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) testing to the standard serological screening panel for pregnant women, with automatic follow-up RNA testing if the antibody test is positive. The bill amends existing pregnancy screening requirements under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 68-5-602.

Why is this important

Hepatitis C can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth, with transmission rates around 5-6%. Early detection allows for medical monitoring and management to reduce perinatal transmission risk and protect newborn health. This addition expands the infectious disease screening already required for pregnant women (which typically includes HIV, syphilis, and other conditions).

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Adding a new required test increases laboratory costs and healthcare expenses, though hepatitis C testing is relatively inexpensive
  • Clinical necessity debate: Some may question whether universal screening is warranted given the relatively low transmission rate compared to other screened conditions
  • Resource allocation: Questions about whether resources would be better spent on targeted screening of high-risk populations versus universal screening

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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