Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 511-5-5-.06 - Hearing Screening

(1) All hospitals and birthing centers shall be equipped to conduct a newborn hearing screening test in accordance with these Rules.

(2) When a live birth occurs in a hospital or birthing center or in an office or facility that is equipped to conduct a newborn hearing screening test according to these Rules, a newborn hearing screening test shall be conducted prior to the baby's discharge.

(3) A newborn hearing screening test shall be conducted in accordance with the Georgia Newborn Screening Program Policy and Procedure Manual as follows:

(a) If the baby is in the well-baby nursery, then the test shall be conducted by aOAE and/or aABR;

(b) If the baby is in a SCN or NICU, for greater than five days, then the test shall be conducted after 32 weeks gestational age and when the baby is medically stable, and must include an aABR;

(c) If the baby does not pass the initial newborn hearing screening test, then the submitter may perform a second newborn hearing screening test prior to hospital discharge in accordance with the Georgia Newborn Screening Program Policy and Procedure Manual;

(d) If the baby does not pass the initial or final inpatient newborn hearing screening test, in cases where a second test is performed, in accordance with the Georgia Newborn Screening Program Policy and Procedure Manual, the hospital or birthing center shall conduct cytomegalovirus testing before hospital discharge or 21 days of age, whichever occurs earlier;

(e) In the event that a baby is transferred to another hospital or birthing center before the newborn hearing screening test has been completed, then it is the responsibility of the second facility to assure that a newborn hearing screening test and cytomegalovirus test, as indicated in subsection 3(d) of this Rule, is completed.

(4) The results of the hearing test shall be included in the baby's clinical record, reported to the Department, and given to the parents or legal guardians along with any follow-up recommendations, in accordance with the Georgia Newborn Screening Policy and Procedure Manual.

(5) The results of the cCMV test shall be included in the baby's clinical record, and the status of the cCMV test shall be provided to the baby's physician or healthcare provider and the parent or legal guardian, in accordance with the Georgia Newborn Screening Policy and Procedure Manual.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 511-5-5-.06

O.C.G.A. §§ 31-2A-6, 31-12-5 through 31-12-7.

Original Rule entitled "Hearing Screening" adopted. F. May 13, 2014; eff. June 2, 2014. Amended: F. Sept. 16, 2024; eff. Oct. 9, 2024, as specified by the Agency.