S.B. 1243 Summary

• Amends Hawaii's newborn hearing screening program to require reporting of diagnostic audiologic evaluation results by audiologists and physicians specialized in hearing function.

• Updates terminology from "hearing-impaired infant" to "deaf or hard of hearing" and emphasizes early identification and intervention to maximize social, emotional, and language outcomes.

• Requires birthing facilities to ensure all newborn infants receive hearing screening, with exemption only for parents/guardians who object in writing on religious grounds.

• Expands the Department of Health's duties to establish a statewide system for hearing screening, diagnostic evaluation, and referral to early intervention services for infants identified as deaf or hard of hearing.

• Authorizes the Department of Health to adopt rules regarding administration of newborn hearing screening, retention of records, reporting of results, intervention services, and family confidentiality.