71-4741. Hearing screening; department; duties.

(1) The Department of Health and Human Services shall determine which birthing facilities are administering hearing screening tests to newborns and infants on a voluntary basis and the number of newborns and infants screened. The department shall submit electronically an annual report to the Legislature stating the number of:

(a) Birthing facilities administering voluntary hearing screening tests during birth admission;

(b) Newborns screened as compared to the total number of newborns born in such facilities;

(c) Newborns who passed a hearing screening test during birth admission if administered;

(d) Newborns who did not pass a hearing screening test during birth admission if administered; and

(e) Newborns recommended for followup care.

(2) The Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the State Department of Education, birthing facilities, and other providers, shall develop approved screening methods and protocol for statewide hearing screening tests of substantially all newborns and infants.

(3) Subject to available appropriations, the Department of Health and Human Services shall make the report described in this section available.

Source:Laws 2000, LB 950, § 8; Laws 2005, LB 301, § 48; Laws 2007, LB296, § 595; Laws 2012, LB782, § 118.