Checklist for State Universal Screening Programs

Members of the coalition that wrote a model act for universal newborn/infant hearing screening agree that, at a minimum, state programs should contain the following elements to maintain optimal consistency and quality assurance:

• 85% Target Rate
  Universal hearing screening programs should test at a minimum this percentage of all children born in the state. When the number falls below 85%, the state health department should assume responsibility for testing the remainder and charge the appropriate insurer for reimbursement.
  
• Audiologist Autonomy
  Audiologists should be able to freely participate in hearing screening programs, and to train and supervise technicians who may perform the screenings.
  
• Hearing Screening Methodology
  Methods should include auditory brainstem response, otoacoustic emissions or other objective physiological measures.
  
• Early Intervention
  Initial screening needs to be followed by comprehensive audiological evaluation and intervention.
  
• Time Windows
  Screening should be completed before discharge, but no later than three months after birth; intervention should occur as soon as possible, but no later than six months after birth.
  
• Insurance Mandates
  Medicaid and all insurance policies issued in the state should be required to include coverage for initial screening and necessary follow-up care.
  
• Advisory Board
  Each state should establish a newborn/infant hearing screening, tracking and intervention advisory board to advise the state secretary of health and/or education. Audiologists, speech-language pathologists, parents and adult consumers should be represented.
  
• Confidentiality
  Information collected on patients for purposes of tracking will be kept confidential and used only as necessary to carry out the intent of the tracking system