Provides for toxoplasmosis testing of pregnant women

BILL NUMBER:S3270

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to toxoplasmosis testing of pregnant women

Purpose

To better protect the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies, by providing that pregnant women be counseled about, and offered a test for, toxoplasmosis.

Summary of provisions

Section one amends the public health law by adding a new section 2523, to require toxoplasmosis counseling and offer toxoplasmosis testing to pregnant women.

Section two authorizes and directs the commissioner of health to adopt the rules and regulations necessary to implement these provisions.

Section three sets forth the enacting date.

Justification

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a single-cell parasite that infects more than 60 million people in the United States. Of those infected, very few have symptoms because a healthy person's immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant women should be cautious; for them, the a Toxoplasma infection can be harmful and potentially lethal to their children if it is acquired during pregnancy.

Because more than half of pregnant women who are at risk for acute infection of Toxoplasma cannot be identified by history or routine examination, physicians should provide them with counseling regarding the risks and offer the test to screen pregnant women during prenatal visits.

Legislative history

S.6246 (2014)

Fiscal implications

None to the State.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first day of January, the year after succeeding its enactment provided that the rules or regulations necessary for its implementation are authorized or completed before such date.