South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-80 - Neonatal Screening For Inborn Metabolic Errors and Hemoglobinopathies
Section 61-80.E - Assurance of Diagnosis and Follow-up

1. Information obtained as a result of the tests conducted for screening for inborn metabolic errors and hemoglobinopathies is confidential and may be released only to the infant's physician or other staff acting under the direction of the physician, the child's parent or legal guardian, and the child when he/she is eighteen years of age or older.

2. Normal and abnormal test results will be forwarded by the Laboratory and/or Bureau of Maternal and Child Health to the attending physician who shall be responsible for informing the parents or legal guardian of test results.

3. If the child is not under the care of the attending physician, as specified in the Official Departmental Instructions, the person in attendance shall notify the Bureau of Maternal and Child Health. The Department will then notify the parents or legal guardian of the test results.

4. Upon notification that a specimen was insufficient or that it is necessary for a test to be repeated, the attending physician shall collect and submit a second specimen to the Laboratory in accordance with Official Departmental Instructions.

5. The attending physician shall initiate appropriate medical follow-up and diagnosis when abnormal test results occur. If that is not possible, the Bureau of Maternal and Child Health shall be notified as specified in the Official Departmental Instructions.

6. The attending physician shall notify the Bureau of Maternal and Child Health of all children born in South Carolina who are diagnosed as having inborn metabolic errors or hemoglobinopathies.

7. Appropriate genetic counseling should be offered to all families of children with abnormal test results as outlined in the Official Departmental Instructions.