Washington § 70.83.020 - Screening tests of newborn infants.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 70.83.020 — Screening tests of newborn infants., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 70.83.020. Screening tests of newborn infants.

(1) It shall be the duty of the department of health to require screening tests of all newborn infants born in any setting. Each hospital or health care provider attending a birth outside of a hospital shall collect and submit a sample blood specimen for all newborns no more than forty-eight hours following birth. The department of health shall conduct screening tests of samples for the detection of phenylketonuria and other heritable or metabolic disorders leading to intellectual disabilities or physical defects as defined by the state board of health: PROVIDED, That no such tests shall be given to any newborn infant whose parents or guardian object thereto on the grounds that such tests conflict with their religious tenets and practices.
(2) The sample required in subsection (1) of this section must be received by the department [of health] within seventy-two hours of the collection of the sample, excluding any day that the Washington state public health laboratory is closed.
[ 2014 c 18 s 1; 2010 c 94 s 18; 1991 c 3 s 348; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 27 s 1; 1967 c 82 s 2.]

Notes

Purpose—2010 c 94: See note following RCW 44.04.280.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 70.83.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 70.83.020 cover?

Section 70.83.020 ("Screening tests of newborn infants.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. 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 Washington § 70.83.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 70.83.020" (Washington). 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 Washington law?

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

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