Child care and schools require lead screening proof for young children

Child care facilities and nursery schools, preschools, and kindergartens require proof of lead screening for admission or continued enrollment. This applies to every child age 12 months or older seeking admission or continued enrollment at a child care facility, nursery school, preschool, or kindergarten. A parent or guardian may provide a health-care provider’s statement confirming screening or sign a certificate saying screening conflicts with their religious beliefs. For enrollment other than kindergarten, screening may take place within 60 calendar days after enrollment. For enrollment outside kindergarten, screening may occur within 60 calendar days after enrollment. The text gives no later screening period for kindergarten.

The Division of Public Health ensures school nurses can access screening data, and schools keep proof of screening in each student’s health record. The data concerns each enrolled child and includes whether the child was screened and the results of lead screenings or tests. Results must be recorded in micrograms per deciliter. Results must be provided by January 1, 2025.

School districts and charter schools report kindergarten enrollment and screening figures to the Division of Public Health, which sends a public report to state officials. Each school reports the number of kindergarten students who have not met the parent or guardian documentation requirements, as well as its total kindergarten enrollment. The Division’s report must show figures separately for each school and be posted on its website. The report may be combined with the annual report required under § 2606 of Title 16. Schools report by November 1 each year. The Division submits its report by January 1 each year.

Contracts and computer upgrades must continue to include lead results. This applies to contracts and computer upgrades covered by the section.