HI SB1140

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

Adds four new definitions to Hawaii law: "audiologist," "deaf or hard of hearing," "diagnostic audiologic evaluation," and "hearing screening" to modernize terminology.

Removes outdated definitions of "hearing-impaired infant," "management," and "screening" and replaces them with current terminology emphasizing early identification and intervention.

Establishes a statewide system for hearing screening, diagnostic audiologic evaluation, and referral into early intervention services to ensure infants who are deaf or hard of hearing receive timely follow-up and support.

Updates statutory language throughout to align with national standards for early hearing detection and intervention, including screening by age one month, diagnostic evaluation by age three months, and enrollment in early intervention services by age six months.