FL H0499

Hospitals and birthing facilities must screen newborns for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) using an FDA-approved or diagnostically equivalent test if the newborn fails a hearing loss screening, with the test administered before 21 days of age or before discharge, whichever is earlier.

Hospitals providing neonatal intensive care must screen for CMV in newborns admitted due to premature birth before 35 weeks' gestation, cardiac care, or medical/surgical treatment requiring an anticipated stay of 3 weeks or longer, regardless of hearing screening results.

CMV screenings and medically necessary follow-up reevaluations are covered benefits under Florida's Medicaid program (both fee-for-service and HMO), and all health insurance policies and HMOs must compensate providers at the contracted rate.

Newborns diagnosed with CMV must be referred to a primary care physician for medical management, treatment, and follow-up services.

Children diagnosed with a CMV infection without hearing loss must be referred to the Children's Medical Services Early Intervention Program and deemed eligible for a baseline evaluation and any medically necessary follow-up reevaluations and monitoring.