It is the policy of the State of California to make every effort to detect, as early as possible, sickle cell anemia, a heritable disorder that leads to physical defects.
The department shall have the responsibility of designating tests and regulations to be used in executing this policy. These tests shall be in accordance with accepted medical practices.
Testing for sickle cell anemia may be conducted at the following times:
(a) Upon first enrollment of a child at an elementary school in this state, the child may be tested.
(b) For any child not tested pursuant to subdivision (a), upon first enrollment at a junior high school or senior high school in this state, as the case may be, the child may be tested.
(c) Upon application of any person for a license to marry, the parties seeking to be married may be tested.
(d) At any other times that the department may designate.
This section shall not apply if a parent or guardian of a minor child sought to be tested or any adult sought to be tested objects to the test on the ground that the test conflicts with his or her religious beliefs or practices.
(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 415, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 1996.)