§ 20-15-1104 - Screening of newborns. - Arkansas Statutes

20-15-1104. Screening of newborns.

(a) (1) All hospitals, birthing centers, and lay midwives shall complete a hearing impairment at-risk questionnaire for each newborn infant prior to discharge or, in the case of a lay midwife, within seventy-two (72) hours of the birth of the infant.

(2) All hearing impairment at-risk questionnaires shall be completed by a designee of the hospital or birthing center or by the midwife.

(3) However, no infant shall be screened for hearing impairment whose parent presents a written statement that he or she objects to the screening of his or her child.

(b) The hospital, birthing center, or lay midwife shall forward to the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services a copy of all completed questionnaires.

(c) The hospital, birthing center, or lay midwife shall provide the parents or guardians of all newborn infants with written materials provided by the division concerning hearing impairment.