Physicians and Surgeons - As introduced, requires physicians who attend to a pregnant woman during gestation to take or cause to be taken a sample of blood to test for syphilis infection at the first examination and visit, sometime between the 28th and 32nd week of gestation, and at delivery; clarifies that the hepatitis B surface antigen test is a part of the standard serological test. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 27; Title 56; Title 68 and Title 71.

HB 188 requires physicians and surgeons attending pregnant patients in Tennessee to conduct specific blood tests during pregnancy. It mandates syphilis testing at the first visit, between 28-32 weeks gestation, and at delivery, while clarifying that hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing is part of standard prenatal care. All results must be reported to local health departments for communicable disease tracking. This directly affects all healthcare providers delivering prenatal care in the state and ensures consistent testing for two preventable infections during each pregnancy.