(a) The department, or its successor agency or department, shall adopt and promulgate appropriate rules and regulations governing tests for phenylketonuria, sickle cell anemia, and sickle cell trait so that as nearly as possible all newborn infants who are susceptible or likely to have phenylketonuria, sickle cell anemia, or sickle cell trait shall receive a test for phenylketonuria, sickle cell anemia, or sickle cell trait, or all of such conditions as soon after birth as successful testing and treatment therefor may be initiated; provided, however, that this Code section shall not apply to any infant whose parents object thereto on the grounds that such tests and treatment conflict with their religious tenets and practices.

(b) If any such child is found to have phenylketonuria, sickle cell anemia, or sickle cell trait, it shall be the duty of the examining physician or the department to inform the parents of such child that the child is so afflicted and, if such child has sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait, that counseling regarding the nature of the disease, its effects, and its treatment is available without cost from the department and the county board of health or county department of health.

(c) It shall be the duty of the department and each county board of health and county department of health, or their successor agencies or departments, to furnish counseling and advice to any persons requesting such counseling regarding sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait, its characteristics, symptoms, traits, effects, and treatment. Such counseling shall be furnished without cost to the person requesting it.