AL HJR225

Commends Mary Beth Miller (October 17, 2005 – March 23, 2013) for her legacy in efforts leading to Alabama's policy requiring pulse oximetry screening on all newborns prior to discharge.

Recognizes Mary Beth's courage in overcoming a complex heart condition, including six open-heart surgeries and more than 340 medical procedures during her seven years of life.

Notes that congenital heart defects (CHD) is the leading cause of infant death from birth defects, with approximately 300 infants with unrecognized critical heart defects discharged annually from U.S. newborn nurseries.

Establishes that pulse oximetry is a noninvasive test performed within 24 to 48 hours of age that effectively detects critical, life-threatening congenital heart defects missed by current screening methods.

Commends Mark and Stacee Miller, Representative Paul Lee, Senator Marc Keahey, and organizations including the American Heart Association, Alabama Hospital Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics for collaborative efforts to implement the newborn screening policy.