(1) RISK SCREENING.—To help ensure access to the maternal and child health care system, the Department of Health shall promote the screening of all pregnant women and infants in this state for environmental risk factors, such as low income, poor education, maternal and family stress, mental health, substance use disorder, and other high-risk conditions, and promote education of the public about the dangers associated with environmental risk factors.
(2) PRENATAL RISK SCREENING REQUIREMENTS.—The department shall develop a multilevel screening process that includes a risk assessment instrument to identify women at risk for a preterm birth or other high-risk condition.(a) A primary health care provider must complete the risk screening at a pregnant woman’s first prenatal visit using the form and in the manner prescribed by rules adopted under this section, so that the woman may immediately be notified and referred to appropriate health, education, and social services.
(b) This subsection does not apply if the pregnant woman objects to the screening in a manner prescribed by department rule.
(3) POSTNATAL RISK SCREENING REQUIREMENTS.—The department shall develop a multilevel screening process that includes a risk assessment instrument to identify factors associated with increased risk of infant mortality and morbidity to provide early intervention, remediation, and prevention services, including, but not limited to, parent support and training programs, home visitation, and case management.(a) A hospital or birth center must complete the risk screening immediately following the birth of the infant, before discharge from the hospital or birth center, using the form and in the manner prescribed by rules adopted under this section.
(b) This subsection does not apply if a parent or guardian of the newborn objects to the screening in a manner prescribed by department rule.
