Lead exposure case management helps connect families to resources and services that support early intervention and reduce the long-term health effects associated with lead exposure. It is child- and family-centered, with an emphasis on communication and collaboration. 

Some children may qualify for case management depending on their blood lead level (BLL). Because no level of lead exposure is considered safe, a multidisciplinary approach can help reduce exposure, lower BLLs, and improve health.

The case management team may include a case manager from the local health district, the child’s parents/guardians, healthcare providers, lead risk assessors, local health district staff, and others. Case managers may also help identify potential sources and risk factors for lead exposure, which can inform the child’s plan of care and any environmental follow-up, as appropriate.

Case Management Across Nevada 

Children receiving case management are served through their local health district. Nevada has five health districts responsible for managing lead exposure cases within its jurisdiction. The BLL at which a health district may initiate case management may vary by health authority, in accordance with each agency’s protocols and policies. Explore your local health district’s guidance for responding to BLLs, including follow-up actions and case management activities: 

• Southern Nevada Health District (Clark)
• Northern Nevada Public Health (Washoe)
• Carson City Health and Human Services (Carson City, Lyon, Douglas)
• Central Nevada Health District (Churchill, Mineral, Eureka, and Pershing)
• Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (Elko, Esmeralda, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Nye, Storey, and White Pine)

What May Be Included? 

Case management may include coordinated medical care, environmental investigation, and health education. The case management plan is guided by the child’s BLL, test type, and individual needs. Services begin when the local health district is notified of a case of lead exposure. 

It may also include case management visits, which often take place at the child’s primary residence to assess both the child and their environment. These visits offer a unique opportunity for the case manager to provide tailored health education, build rapport with the parent/guardian, and promote lead prevention and overall health. 

The case management process may include:

• Review and discussion of the child’s BLL results and follow-up testing recommendations.
• Completion of the Childhood Lead Investigation Questionnaire (CLIQ) to help identify potential sources of lead exposure in the child’s environment. 
• Health education on lead exposure prevention and reducing exposure at home.
• Referrals to appropriate programs and services based on the CLIQ and needs assessment. 
• Coordination of an environmental Lead Inspection and Risk Assessment (LIRA) for the child’s home and other frequently visited locations (e.g., childcare, family members’ home).
• Ongoing communication, monitoring, and adjustments to the case management plan as needed.