[§321-362.5]  Screening forhearing impairment.  (a)  All newborn infants shall be screenedfor hearing impairment for early identification of children with hearing lossand for the promotion of their development of language and communication.

(b)  The person in charge of each birthingfacility caring for newborn infants and the responsible physician attending thebirth of a newborn or the person assisting the birth of a child not attended bya physician shall ensure that every infant in the person's care be screened forhearing impairment.  This section shall not apply if the parent, guardian, orother person having custody or control of the child objects to the screening inwriting on the grounds that the screening conflicts with their religious beliefs. The written objection shall be made a part of the infant's medical record.

(c)  Birthing facilities screening newborninfants for hearing impairment shall report screening results to thedepartment, for the purpose of the department ensuring a statewide system forthe screening, diagnostic evaluation, and intervention for all newborn infantswith hearing impairment. [L 2001, c 42, §1]