Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 49, December 7, 2024
Section 27.99 - Prenatal examination for hepatitis B(a) A physician who attends, treats or examines a pregnant woman for conditions relating to pregnancy during the period of gestation or delivery, shall inform the woman that the physician intends to take or cause to be taken, unless the woman objects, a sample of her blood at the time of the first examination (including the initial visit when a pregnancy test is positive) or within 15 days thereafter, but no later than the time of delivery, and shall submit the sample to a clinical laboratory approved by the Department to conduct immunologic testing.(b) When a pregnant woman tests positive for hepatitis B surface antigen, a physician shall provide the appropriate prophylactic treatment to the newborn within 12 hours after birth. If the parent or guardian of the newborn child objects on the ground that the prophylactic treatment conflicts with the parent's or guardian's religious beliefs or practices, prophylactic treatment shall be withheld, and an entry in the child's hospital record indicating the reason for withholding treatment shall be made and signed by the attending physician and the parent or guardian.The provisions of this § 27.99 adopted January 25, 2002, effective 1/26/2002, 32 Pa.B. 491.