CA AB1731

Beginning July 1, 2013, general acute care hospitals with licensed perinatal services must offer parents a pulse oximetry test prior to newborn discharge to identify critical congenital heart disease (CCHD).

The State Department of Health Care Services must issue guidance requiring hospitals to perform CCHD screening consistent with federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Hospitals must develop a CCHD screening program that includes competent staff and equipment, completes testing before discharge, refers abnormal results for appropriate care, and maintains required data and provides education.

Pulse oximetry testing must be performed by a licensed physician, registered nurse, or appropriately trained individual supervised by a licensed health care professional.

Parents or guardians may decline the test if it violates their beliefs.