The Tennessee Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program guidelines are based on the latest recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning and Prevention of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the endorsement of the CDC.
If the blood lead level (BLL) is 3.5 µg/dL or greater, the level must be confirmed by a venous BLL.
Providers are responsible for all blood lead level follow up testing.
Case Management
The Tennessee Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program surveillance system alerts lead nurse case managers at the TN Department of Health on all elevated cases with a blood lead level of ≥5 µg/dL.
You will receive faxed reminders regarding follow-up testing if tests are not received. The Tennessee Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program case management staff is also your resource regarding medical management questions/concerns.
Referrals
The Tennessee Department of Health refers all qualified children who have a confirmed EBLL to the following services:
Community Health Access and Navigation in Tennessee (CHANT)
The Children’s Special Services (CSS) program is now part of an integrated model of care coordination called Community Health Access and Navigation in Tennessee, or CHANT. CHANT is available for families through all county health departments. The nurse case managers at the TN Department of Health will automatically refer a child with a confirmed elevated blood lead level >3.5 µg/dL to CHANT.
Your Regional Coordinator or the state case management staff is available for consultation on medical issues.
If you would like regional medical consultation and need contact information, contact: PbforMDhelp@utk.edu
Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS)
Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) is a voluntary program that offers therapy and other services to families of infants and young children with developmental delays or disabilities. Services are provided at no cost to families. TEIS is critically important to supporting the development of Tennessee children with disabilities and developmental delays as they prepare for school. TEIS Eligibility Information
Refer a child to TEIS
You may make a referral to TEIS by completing our online referral form or by calling (800) 852-7157. The referral form can also be found in the MyTN app, available on your app store.
Please be prepared to provide the child’s name, date of birth, county of residence, and parent information (if someone other than the parent calls), and reason for referral.
Children Special Services (CSS)
Children Special Services (CSS) is the State Title V Program for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN). CSS provides access to comprehensive medical care for children with physical disabilities from birth to 21 years of age. Diagnostic and financial eligibility criteria must be met to participate in the program. The CSS program is a payer of last resort. The CSS program is coordinated through all 95 health departments in Tennessee and provides resources for medical and non-medical services. Contact your local health department for information in eligibility.
Tennessee Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Environmental Investigations
What is an Environmental Investigation (EI)?
An Environmental Investigation (EI) is a state-funded procedure to determine the source of lead exposure in the home and/or other sites frequented by a child with a high blood lead level. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) performs tests on paint, soil, water, toys, and other goods in the child’s daily orbit. A comprehensive report, detailing potential exposures, is forwarded to the child’s primary care provider from the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), for review with the family. The TDH Regional Lead Coordinator also receives the report and will share follow-up strategies with the child’s parents/guardian.
Who is Eligible for an Environmental Investigation (EI)?
A child, aged six or under with:
– A confirmed blood lead level of 15 µg/dL or higher
– Three or more confirmed, consecutive, escalating EBLLs
Is the EI a Requirement for Eligible Children?
No, the environmental investigation is an option, not a requirement. In some cases, the exposure source may be obvious, rendering an EI unnecessary. Though not common, it is possible that the residence in question was previously tested. Some parents, for whatever reasons, may also refuse an investigation. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with the TDH case manager.
What is the EI Process?
Download the complete flow chart explained below
