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Bill to let private clinical labs test children’s lead levels prompts committee questions on reporting and cost
Summary
H 7191 would allow Rhode Island clinical laboratories to test pediatric blood lead levels (children under 6). Eastside Clinical Laboratory argued testing locally would save money and speed results; committee members asked for written assurances that private labs will report all results to DOH and for the DOH savings methodology.
Providence — Representative Phillips appeared before the House Committee on Health and Human Services to introduce H 7191, which would permit clinical laboratories incorporated in Rhode Island to analyze blood samples from children under age 6 for lead levels. The bill aims to expand the number of facilities that may perform pediatric lead testing beyond the Department of Health laboratory.
Eastside Clinical Laboratory representatives told the committee that commercial labs already collect about 1,200 pediatric specimens annually in Rhode Island and that allowing in‑state testing would reduce handling, lower…
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