HB1468 Summary

• Requires all birthing facilities licensed by the Department of Health to perform pulse oximetry screenings on newborns before discharge to detect critical congenital heart defects within 90-180 days after the department establishes compliance procedures.

• Arkansas Children's Hospital must provide written evidence-based guidelines, educational materials for parents, and training/technical assistance to birthing facilities for conducting pulse oximetry screenings.

• The Department of Health must develop an electronic system for hospitals to submit pulse oximetry test results and provide technical assistance and training to birthing facilities on using the system.

• Test results submitted to the department are confidential and exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

• Parents or legal guardians may object to pulse oximetry testing on medical, religious, or philosophical grounds, and the department cannot require the test if objected to on these bases.