AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
About three in 1,000 newborns in the country are born with some form of hearing loss, and the loss of hearing can delay speech and other developmental milestones. Detecting hearing loss early can help prevent delays in speaking and learning.
Current state law requires birthing facilities to offer newborn hearing screening, but limits this requirement to birthing facilities and birthing centers located in counties with a population of more than 50,000. This means that children born in smaller counties, of which there are many in Texas, may not receive a hearing screening.
S.B. 229 would remove these exemptions for birthing facilities and birthing centers located in counties with a population of less than 50,000.
As proposed, S.B. 229 amends current law relating to birthing facilities required to offer newborn hearing screenings.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 47.001(2), Health and Safety Code, as follows:
(2) Redefines "birthing facility" to mean:
(A) a hospital licensed under Chapter 241 (Hospitals) that offers obstetrical services; or
(B) a birthing center licensed under Chapter 244 (Birthing Centers).
Deletes existing text relating to hospitals located in a county with a population of more than 50,000. Deletes existing text relating to birthing centers located in a county with a population of more than 50,000 and that has 100 or more births per year.
SECTION 2. Provides that, notwithstanding Section 47.001(2), Health and Safety Code, as amended by this Act, the change in law made by this Act applies only to a birth admission at a birthing facility on or after September 1, 2012.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2011.