HB2149 Summary

• Mandates audiologists and physicians 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 years.

• Updates terminology throughout Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 321-361 to 321-363 to replace "hearing-impaired" with "deaf or hard of hearing" and modernizes definitions.

• Establishes a statewide system for hearing screening, diagnostic audiologic evaluation, and referral to early intervention services to improve language and social outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing infants.

• Requires birthing facilities to continue reporting newborn hearing screening results to the Department of Health to ensure comprehensive tracking and follow-up care.

• Takes effect upon approval.