This bill mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to update administrative rules to require that the results of cytomegalovirus (CMV) screenings be included in newborn hearing screening and diagnostic hearing evaluation reports for infants who fail the final newborn hearing screening, unless the parent chooses to opt-out. The bill emphasizes the importance of early detection of CMV and instructs the department to provide information on this topic through the New Hampshire newborn screening program. Additionally, the department is tasked with updating the oversight committee on health and human services about the progress of targeted newborn CMV screenings in New Hampshire, which should be included in the department's annual report by March 1, 2025.

The legal changes proposed in the bill include the insertion of a requirement for CMV screening results to be included in certain newborn health reports and the provision of information regarding CMV to parents through the state's newborn screening program. The bill also includes the deletion of any language that would prevent these requirements from being implemented. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, as indicated by its effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 132:10-a