Senate Bill No. by Senator Kleinpeter seeks to amend and reenact various sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes related to newborn hearing screening, with a focus on enhancing early detection and intervention for infants who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing. The bill rebrands the existing "Identification of Hearing Loss in Infants Law" to the "Newborn Hearing Screening Law" and introduces new definitions such as "congenital deafness" and "early intervention." It establishes a clearer purpose for the program, emphasizing the importance of early identification through screening and audiological evaluation, and mandates that all birth hospitals and outpatient audiological testing providers report newborn hearing screening results. Additionally, it requires newborns to undergo hearing screening before discharge and ensures families receive follow-up information and resources.

Key changes also include an expansion of the advisory council overseeing the program, increasing its membership from 14 to 21 and allowing for reimbursement of travel expenses for council members. The bill revises the council's powers and duties to include advising on newborn hearing screening standards and integrating the program with existing medical and educational services. It emphasizes the need for coordinated systems of care and updates the rulemaking authority to align with federal guidelines. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2026, aiming to enhance support and resources for infants who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing, promoting their healthy development and educational opportunities.

Statutes affected:
SB451 Original: 46:1(4)