IHCP encourages providers to review reporting processes for submitting lead screening information

The Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP), in collaboration with the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), reminds providers of the importance of reporting complete blood lead testing data to reference laboratories to assist in surveillance and case management activities. It is a federal requirement for all children enrolled in Medicaid to be screened for lead toxicity and for all results to be reported to the ISDH. Indiana Administrative Code 410 IAC 29-3-1 states that the person who examines blood for the presence of lead must report the results of the examination to the ISDH no later than one week after the exam. This reporting includes results that are analyzed in a laboratory or by using a portable blood lead analyzer. While the person who analyzes the sample is responsible by state law to report the results, healthcare providers that submit specimens for analysis have an ethical obligation to provide the required information for submission. Recent data extrapolated from the ISDH surveillance system indicates that many healthcare providers/laboratories are not reporting important demographic information needed for surveillance and case management activities. To ensure that laboratories are able to report all the required data elements to the ISDH, all IHCP providers are encouraged to review their processes for submitting lead screening laboratory samples to ensure the information submitted with the samples is complete and accurate. Providers are asked to revise their processes as needed, so that the reporting requirement can be met.

The ISDH, after proper notice, may fine an entity up to $1,500 (IC 16-41-39.4-3) per blood lead sample if the required information is not accurately reported in a timely manner.