This bill amends Chapter 9, Title 39 of the Idaho Code by adding a new section, 39-905A, which establishes mandatory hearing loss screening for all infants and newborns. The screening must occur prior to discharge from a hospital, health care facility, or birthing facility, and for births outside these facilities, the birthing attendant is responsible for ensuring the screening is conducted or that the infant is referred to a screening facility within 21 days of birth. The bill specifies that approved physiologic screening methods, such as otoacoustic emissions or automated auditory brainstem response, must be used, and results from failed screenings must be reported to the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind (IESDB) within seven days.

Additionally, the bill outlines that all screenings must adhere to standards set by the IESDB, which may also provide guidance and educational materials to assist providers. Importantly, the enforcement of these provisions is contingent upon the continued receipt of federal funding for infant and newborn hearing screening, and the bill states that it will not be enforceable if the loss of such funding would increase costs to the state. An emergency clause is included, making the act effective on July 1, 2026.