Cal. Civ. Code § 193
Lead poisoning early identification program; examination and reports
Operative Text
Section 193. The director shall establish a program for early identification of cases of lead poisoning. Such program shall systematically screen all children under six years of age for the presence of lead poisoning. The director shall, after consultation with recognized professional medical groups and such other sources as he deems appropriate, promulgate regulations establishing (1) the means by which and the intervals at which children under six years of age shall be screened for lead poisoning and (2) guidelines for the medical follow-up of children found to be lead poisoned. The director may also prescribe a screening schedule for pregnant women, children six years of age and older including such children who exhibit pica, and persons whose cognitive development is delayed or retarded if he finds such additional screening to be medically warranted. Such program shall employ, to the extent possible, residents of the areas in which screening and examinations are conducted, which residents shall not be subject to the provisions of chapter thirty-one, unless required as a condition for receipt of federal funds, or section nine A of chapter thirty. Such identification program shall, to the extent that all children residing in the commonwealth are not systematically screened, give priority in screenings to children residing, or who have recently resided, in areas where significant numbers of lead poisoning cases have recently been reported or where other reliable evidence indicates that significant numbers of lead poisoning cases may be found. When the director is informed of a case of lead poisoning pursuant to section one hundred and ninety-one, or otherwise, he shall cause to have screened all other children under six years of age, and such other children as he may find advisable to screen, residing or recently residing in the household of the victim, unless the parents of such child object to said screening because it conflicts with their religious beliefs and practices. The results of such screenings shall be reported to the director, to the person or agency reporting the original case pursuant to section one hundred and ninety-one, and to such other persons or agencies as the director deems advisable. The director shall maintain comprehensive records of all screenings conducted pursuant to this section. Such records shall be geographically indexed in order to determine the location of areas of relatively high incidence of lead poisoning. Such records shall be public records, subject to the provision of section one hundred and ninety-one relating to the names of screened individuals. A summary of the results of all screenings conducted pursuant to this section shall be released quarterly, or more frequently if the director so determines, to all interested parties. All cases or probable cases of lead poisoning, as defined by regulation by the director, found in the course of screenings conducted pursuant to this section shall be reported immediately to the affected individual, to his parent or legal guardian if he is a minor, and to the director. The director shall inform such persons or agencies as he deems advisable of the existence of such case or probable case, subject to the provision of section one hundred and ninety-one relating to the names of individuals.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 193 establishes a statewide program, administered by the public health director, for the early identification of lead poisoning in children under six years of age through systematic screening. The director is required to set regulations defining how and how often screenings occur, as well as guidelines for medical follow-up when lead poisoning is detected. When a case is reported, all other young children in the same household must also be screened, unless parents object on religious grounds. Screening records are maintained as public records, geographically indexed, and summarized in quarterly releases to interested parties.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Massachusetts should be aware that Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 193 creates a public health infrastructure that can intersect with housing conditions — when a lead poisoning case is identified in a dwelling, the director is empowered to initiate screenings of other children in that household. Compliant operators generally maintain lead-safe conditions and cooperate with public health investigations that may follow a reported case. Familiarity with this provision helps property managers understand how a single reported case can trigger broader screening activity tied to a specific address or geographic area.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 111 § 193, tenants with children under six have a right to know that a statewide screening program exists to identify lead poisoning early, and that if a case is reported in their household, other young children residing there must also be screened at the direction of the public health director. If a screening reveals a case or probable case of lead poisoning, the affected individual or their parent or legal guardian must be notified immediately. Tenants who believe their children may have been exposed to lead can contact their local board of health or a tenant-rights organization to learn more about available screening resources and any related housing enforcement options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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