Alaska § 18.15.200 - Screening for phenylketonuria.

Full text of Alaska Alaska Statutes § 18.15.200 — Screening for phenylketonuria., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 18.15.200. Screening for phenylketonuria.

 (a) A physician who attends a newborn child shall cause this child to be tested for phenylketonuria (PKU). If the mother is delivered in the absence of a physician, the nurse who first visits the child shall cause this test to be performed.

 (b) The department shall adopt regulations regarding the method used and the time or times of testing as accepted medical practice indicates.

 (c) The necessary laboratory tests and the test materials, reporting forms, and mailing cartons shall be provided by the department.

 (d) All tests considered positive by the screening method shall be reported by the screening laboratory to the physician and to the department. The department shall provide services for the performance of a quantitative blood phenylalanine test or its equivalent for diagnostic purposes. A confirmed diagnosis of phenylketonuria shall be reported to the physician and to the department. The department shall provide services for treatment and clinical follow-up of any diagnosed case.

 (e) When presumptive positive screening tests have been reported to the department, it shall provide, on request, either the true blood phenylalanine test or subsidize the performance of this test at an approved laboratory.

 (f) A licensed physician or licensed nurse attending a newborn or infant who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine of not more than $500. However, a person attending a newborn or infant whose request for appropriate specimens from the newborn or infant is denied by the parent or guardian is not guilty of a misdemeanor. The fact that a child has not been subjected to the test because a request for appropriate specimens has been denied by the parents or guardian shall be reported to the department.

 (g) In this section, “physician” means a doctor of medicine licensed to practice medicine in this state, or an officer in the regular medical service of the armed forces of the United States or the United States Public Health Service assigned to duty in this state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska § 18.15.200

What does Alaska Statutes § 18.15.200 cover?

Section 18.15.200 ("Screening for phenylketonuria.") is part of the Alaska Statutes, the codified statutory law of Alaska. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Alaska § 18.15.200?

A common citation format is "Alaska Statutes § 18.15.200" (Alaska). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Alaska law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alaska official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alaska attorney.

How does Alaska § 18.15.200 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alaska can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alaska.