HB 986 Summary

• Requires audiologists and physicians specialized in hearing function to report diagnostic audiologic evaluation results to the Department of Health for infants who do not pass hearing screening or are diagnosed as deaf or hard of hearing up to age three.

• Establishes new definitions for "audiologist," "deaf or hard of hearing," "diagnostic audiologic evaluation," and "hearing screening" in Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 321.

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

• Requires all newborn infants to receive hearing screening to enable early identification and intervention for better social, emotional, and language outcomes, unless parents object on religious grounds.

• Takes effect upon approval.