FL H0081

Requires all licensed hospitals and birth centers in Florida to screen newborns for critical congenital heart disease using pulse oximetry before discharge, beginning no later than October 1, 2013.

Allows parents or legal guardians to object to screening; if they do, the attending physician, midwife, or health care provider must document the refusal with a signed written objection from the parent or guardian.

Mandates that hospitals designate a lead physician and birth centers designate a licensed health care provider to oversee the newborn screening program and ensure appropriate referrals following positive test results.

Requires screening results, interpretation, and recommendations be documented in the medical record within 24 hours of completion and reported to the Florida Department of Health.

Authorizes the Department of Health to adopt rules regarding screening methods, testing timelines, fee collection, and mandatory reporting of results; act takes effect July 1, 2013.