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SB 1283

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)

Tennessee expands prenatal tests to include hepatitis C antibody with reflex RNA testing in all pregnant women, plus routine syphilis testing at late pregnancy and delivery.

Pub. Ch. 46
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Bill Summary · SB 1283

Summary of Bill: SB 1283 (Session 114) – Tennessee

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, § 68-5-602, to revise and expand the standard serological prenatal testing requirements.
  • Primary aim: include hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) testing as part of the standard serological panel for pregnant women and to trigger reflex RNA testing if anti-HCV is reactive. It also aligns timing and reporting with existing prenatal testing practices.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2025.

Key Provisions

Expanded testing requirements (a)

  • For every pregnant woman under medical supervision:
    • A blood sample must be collected at the first examination/visit or within 10 days after the first examination.
    • The sample must be tested by a laboratory approved by the Department of Health for:
    • Syphilis
    • Rubella immunity
    • Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
    • Hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) with automatic reflex to hepatitis C RNA (HCV RNA) if anti-HCV is reactive.
  • Additional testing for syphilis:
    • A blood sample must be taken and tested for syphilis between weeks 28–32 of gestation.
    • A blood sample must be taken and tested for syphilis at delivery.
  • Rubella immunity:
    • No additional rubella immunity testing is required in subsequent pregnancies if a positive result is verified or a documented rubella vaccination history is available.
  • Reporting:
    • All positive tests for syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C must be reported to the local health department in accordance with state law and regulations.

Testing by non-permitted providers (b)

  • If a person attending a pregnant woman is not legally permitted to take blood samples, they must ensure a blood sample is taken and tested by a health provider permitted to conduct the required tests.

General alignment with clinical guidelines

  • By adding anti-HCV testing with reflex to HCV RNA, the bill aligns Tennessee’s prenatal screening with contemporary guidelines that advocate universal screening for hepatitis B and hepatitis C in pregnancy, and recommends rescreening for syphilis during pregnancy as part of standard care.

Who/What is Affected

  • Pregnant women receiving prenatal care in Tennessee.
  • Medical professionals and facilities performing prenatal blood work (physicians, surgeons, or other persons authorized by law; and the broader pool if the attending individual is not permitted to draw blood).
  • Laboratories (state-approved) conducting serological tests.
  • Local health departments receiving reports of positive results for syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Effective date: July 1, 2025.
  • Serological testing timeline:
    • Initial blood draw: at first examination/visit or within 10 days thereafter.
    • HCV reflex testing: automatic HCV RNA testing if anti-HCV is reactive.
    • Syphilis testing: between weeks 28–32 of gestation, and again at delivery.
  • Positive test reporting: requires reporting to the local health department as per current communicable diseases regulations.
  • Fiscal impact: described as not significant; aligns with existing DOH testing practices and private laboratories through the Medical Laboratory Board.

Additional Context (What the Proposal Aligns With)

  • The plan reflects guidance from medical associations (e.g., ACOG) that support routine screening for hepatitis B and hepatitis C early in pregnancy and periodic rescreening for syphilis in late pregnancy and at birth.
  • The Department of Health already conducts testing in pregnant populations and offers testing without charge in DOH laboratories; private labs are overseen by the Medical Laboratory Board.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with prior law or include potential implications for public health planning and budget timing.

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

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