FL H0067

Requires physicians, midwives, or attendants at birth to instill an effective prophylactic into newborns' eyes within 1 hour after birth to prevent neonatal ophthalmia.

Mandates that newborns must receive a dilated eye examination using a direct ophthalmoscope before hospital discharge to detect pediatric congenital, ocular, and developmental abnormalities.

Exempts newborns from prophylactic instillation and eye examination if parents file a written objection with signed informed consent explaining the risks, with the objection recorded by the attending physician or midwife.

Requires health insurance policies and health maintenance contracts to cover eye examinations using a direct ophthalmoscope at birth or within 2 weeks, at 6 to 8 weeks of age, and at 6 to 9 months of age for children with dilated pupils.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.