123975. (a) The department, in consultation with selected representatives of participating neonatal intensive care units, shall establish a system to screen all newborns and infants for hearing loss as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 124116 and create and maintain a system of assessment and followup services for newborns and infants identified by the screening in approved neonatal intensive care units participating in the California Children’s Services Program. Screening, assessment and followup services and reporting of these services shall be provided in a manner consistent with Article 6.5 (commencing with Section 124115) of Chapter 3.
This section shall not be applicable to a newborn child whose parent or guardian objects to the tests on the ground that the tests conflict with his or her religious beliefs or practices.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature, in enacting this section, to ensure the establishment and maintenance of protocols and quality of standards.
(c) The department shall implement this section for newborns and infants in neonatal intensive care units participating in the California Children’s Services Program.
(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 310, Sec. 22. Effective August 19, 1998.)