I encourage VDH to re-evaluate the risk factors requiring testing enumerated in 12 VAC 5-120-50, items 1 and 2 in particular.  The current regulation requires testing of all children receiving Medicaid benefits.  In 2009 the CDC Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning published updated recommendations for blood lead screening of Medicaid-eligible children that recommend targeted rather than universal screening of this population.  Unless epidemiological studies show these children to be at increased risk independent of other risk factors, Virginia should discontinue the requirement for screening all children covered by Medicaid.  This change would allow Virginia to target limited resources to children most needing services.  In addition, unless resources are available to update the list of high risk ZIP codes last revised in June 2003, consideration should be given to eliminating this from the list of risk factors requiring screening.

due protection must be given to the children.

staying healthy