A Proposal for Policy Change to SB 722 - Newborn Health Screening
Abstract
This paper aims to inform the reader and address the shortcomings of Florida law SB 722 - Newborn Health Screening. The law effective July 1, 2014 requires that every newborn in the state of Florida is screened for detrimental physical conditions including hearing impairment. Since hearing impairment can significantly affect the quality of a person’s life it is of utmost significance that it is identified as early as possible so necessary treatment can take place. A proposed change to SB 722 - Newborn Health Screening is warranted as the cost of cochlear implants is minuscule in comparison to the cost to treat the condition over a lifetime. Likewise programs providing support to parents/guardians of affected infants are crucial.