LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 82ND LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 4, 2011

TO:	Honorable Jane Nelson, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:	John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB270 by Uresti (Relating to newborn hearing screenings.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Chapter 47, Health and Safety Code to require that newborn hearing screenings be performed at certain birthing facilities. The bill would require that newborn hearing screening programs be supervised by a physician or audiologist in order to be certified. The bill would require the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), through the Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program, to coordinate the screenings and any necessary follow-up care.

To implement the provisions of the bill, the Department of State Health Services indicates a one-time cost related to system modifications for the new certification requirement. It is assumed DARS would be able to absorb the costs associated with the bill within existing resources.

Local Government Impact

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

Source Agencies:

537 State Health Services, Department of, 538 Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Department of

LBB Staff:

JOB, CL, MB, VJC, NB