SCS/HB 1568 - This act allows health practitioners to test certain mothers for syphilis and establishes the Office on Women's Health.

Section 192.965 establishes the Office on Women's Health within the Department of Health and outlines the duties of the Office. Section 192.968 allows the Director of the Department to appoint a committee of experts in women's health who will reflect the geographic, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity in the state. The committee will help the Chief identify and analyze issues and may provide policy advice. This portion of the act is substantially similar to SB 976 (2000).

Section 210.030, currently requires health practitioners to test consenting mothers in early pregnancy for certain diseases. New provisions allow additional blood tests for syphilis later in the pregnancy if a woman consents and lives in a designated outbreak area. This act also requires health practitioners to administer hepatitis B vaccinations to at-risk newborns according to the current recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
ERIN MOTLEY