S. 2004 — Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act

This section states congressional findings on the rise in syphilis cases to 209,253 in 2023 (an 80% increase since 2018 and the highest since 1950), the health risks of untreated syphilis, and the increase in congenital syphilis cases to 3,882 in 2023 (a 3% increase from 2022 and more than 10 times the 2012 level, resulting in 252 stillbirths and 27 infant deaths). The section further finds that timely prenatal testing and treatment could prevent nearly 90% of congenital syphilis cases; that state requirements for syphilis screening of pregnant women vary, with most mandating it only at the first prenatal visit; and that third-trimester and delivery screening, along with increased awareness and education, can reduce cases and prevent adverse outcomes for mothers and infants.

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, not later than 12 months after enactment, to issue guidance to state Medicaid and CHIP agencies, the Indian Health Service, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations on best practices—using section 1115 waivers and authorities under Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) and CHIP (title XXI)—for (1) improving access to syphilis screening for pregnant women and babies; (2) educating medical professionals and pregnant women on syphilis; (3) integrating telehealth services and training, including interpreters and multilingual resources on congenital syphilis; (4) increasing third-trimester and delivery testing for syphilis; and (5) improving syphilis and congenital syphilis treatment. It incorporates definitions from the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1603) and defines relevant terms including "State," "State CHIP," and "State Medicaid program." This section further requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees, and publicly release, a report analyzing implementation of these best practices not later than two years after enactment.