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.