Legislature(2005 - 2006)HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/11/2005 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB123 | |
| HB71 | |
| HB219 | |
| HB91 | |
| HB109 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 109 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 91 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 219 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 71 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| = | HB 123 | ||
HOUSE BILL NO. 109
"An Act relating to establishing a screening, tracking,
and intervention program related to the hearing ability
of newborns and infants; providing an exemption to
licensure as an audiologist for certain persons
performing hearing screening tests; relating to
insurance coverage for newborn and infant hearing
screening; and providing for an effective date."
REPRESENTATIVE JAY RAMRAS, sponsor, explained that the bill
is for mandatory screening for hearing loss for newborns, an
investment in the future. The fiscal note is minor,
$30,000, to handle 10,000 live births in Alaska per year.
Hearing loss is the number one congenital birth defect and
it affects 30 to 40 Alaskans per year. The cost of tracking
a child who's hearing loss goes undetected in the first two
to three years of life is about $412,000 per child. The
$30,000 annual fiscal note would protect from a potential
$12 million future liability. Hearing loss is often not
detected until children are between 2 and 3 years old, which
effects their cognitive development. This mandate has been
adopted in 33 other states.
Vice-Chair Stoltze asked if there are any service
organizations that take on this cause.
Representative Ramras explained that the Quota Club's
mission is to help with hearing issues. Currently children
are not being tracked and there is a need to develop a
statistical base.
4:06:08 PM
DEBBIE GOLDEN, MARCH OF DIMES, ANCHORAGE, (via
teleconference) explained the history and mission of March
of Dimes. Hearing loss is the most common birth disability.
She spoke of the costs and savings of hearing screenings.
Passing HB 109 will assure that all newborns are tested.
COLLEEN CHINN-ACCA, FAIRBANKS, (via teleconference) read a
statement from Sarah Pate urging support for HB 109. She
stressed the effectiveness of early intervention. She spoke
in support of the legislation. She noted that children who
don't hear, miss the early language-learning period. Early
language intervention allows the possibility of cochlear
implants.
4:14:30 PM
LISA OWENS, AUDIOLOGIST, ANCHORAGE, (via teleconference)
spoke in support of the legislation. She stressed the
importance of early intervention. Children under three with
hearing loss show speech delays, and difficulties in reading
and in social interaction. They require more special
resources as children and as adults. Those children who are
identified before the age of three have less need for
support and special programs and have opportunity for
cochlear implants.
4:18:07 PM
In response to a question by Co-Chair Meyer, Ms. Owens
described methods used to test children under three. Tests
can be done by a variety of health care and childcare
professions. She described the testing procedure. Co-Chair
Meyer asked if an ear, nose, and throat specialist would
typically test hearing loss. Ms. Owens replied that a
specialist would need to perform the tests using the new
technology. She explained various types of hearing loss.
MARTIN BEALS, JR., M.D. PEDIATRICIAN, ANCHORAGE, (via
teleconference) testified in support of the legislation. He
noted that early intervention saves costs.
4:23:28 PM
Representative Foster spoke in support of the legislation.
HB 109 was HELD in Committee for further consideration.
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