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