Nevada Assembly Bill 360 targets congenital syphilis with emergency room screening mandate

The Nevada Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened on May 13, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 360, a significant public health initiative aimed at combating the rising rates of congenital syphilis in the state. The bill seeks to enhance syphilis screening and treatment for pregnant women, particularly those at high risk who may not have received adequate prenatal care.

Assemblywoman Heather Goulding introduced the bill, emphasizing the urgent need to address congenital syphilis, which occurs when the infection is transmitted from a pregnant woman to her baby. She noted that while a previous bill mandated testing for pregnant women in emergency departments, many women still do not receive this crucial screening during visits for non-pregnancy-related issues. AB 360 aims to close this gap by requiring emergency departments to perform rapid syphilis testing for all pregnant women.

Dr. Nehal Naik, an emergency room physician, supported the bill by highlighting the critical role emergency departments play in providing care to pregnant women. He reported that a significant percentage of pregnant women utilize emergency services, particularly those who are uninsured or on Medicaid. Dr. Naik stressed that timely testing and treatment in emergency settings could prevent severe health consequences for newborns, including intellectual disabilities and other long-term complications.

Dr. Chris Deeter, chair of pediatrics at the University of Nevada, Reno, also testified in favor of the bill, sharing his experiences with the devastating effects of untreated syphilis on infants. He described the painful procedures that affected newborns must undergo when congenital syphilis is diagnosed, emphasizing that these outcomes could be avoided with proper prenatal care and screening.

The bill mandates that if a pregnant woman tests positive for syphilis, treatment must begin during her emergency visit unless she declines. It also ensures that Medicaid will reimburse providers for these rapid tests, making them more accessible to low-income families. The legislation aims to reduce the incidence of congenital syphilis, prevent infant deaths, and lower long-term healthcare costs associated with untreated cases.

Public health officials and medical professionals expressed strong support for AB 360, citing alarming statistics that place Nevada among the highest states for congenital syphilis rates. The bill is seen as a crucial step in improving health outcomes for mothers and their babies across the state.

The committee members engaged in discussions about the bill's provisions, including its implications for rural healthcare settings and the inclusion of various healthcare providers in the testing process. No opposition was noted during the meeting, indicating broad consensus on the importance of the proposed measures.

As the committee prepares to move forward, the passage of AB 360 could mark a significant advancement in Nevada's public health strategy, aiming to protect vulnerable populations and ensure healthier futures for newborns.