LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 82ND LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
May 18, 2011

TO:
Honorable Lois W. Kolkhorst, Chair, House Committee on Public Health
 
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
SB270 by Uresti (Relating to newborn hearing screenings.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Chapter 47, Health and Safety Code, to require that newborn or infant hearing screenings be performed at certain birthing facilities unless the parent declines or the screening has already been completed. The bill would require certain reporting of initial and follow-up screening results that is currently authorized but not required. The bill would require that newborn hearing screening programs be supervised by a physician, physician's assistant, audiologist, or registered nurse in order to be certified. The bill would take effect September 1, 2011.

The Department of State Health Services indicates a one-time cost related to system modifications for the new certification requirement. It is assumed that implementation of the bill could be accomplished using existing resources.


Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
538 Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Department of, 537 State Health Services, Department of
LBB Staff:
JOB, KKR, CL, VJC, MB, NB