Hearing Screening Bill Crosses the Finish Line
By Meaghan Neuberger, South Dakota H&V
We are thrilled to share that South Dakota is the 48th state to pass a law regarding newborn hearing screening. On April 15, 2024, the legislative interim rules committee voted to add hearing screening to the state’s Newborn Screening Program. The law officially went into effect on June 3, 2024. Representative Mike Weisgram (R-Ft. Pierre) was instrumental in this effort and worked to set up a meeting with passionate stakeholders and the South Dakota Department of Health.
At the meeting, parents shared their personal stories regarding why early detection is so critical. Parents who have children who are Deaf/hard of hearing identified at birth or later shared their journey, explaining the importance of early identification. This project took 2 ½ years of phone calls, emails, meetings, letters, and hard work. South Dakota looked at the success of surrounding states, and stakeholders stressed the future cost savings of catching kids up after late identification.
Prior to this law going into effect, many hospitals and birthing centers were screening babies, but the data was not used for follow-up. Now the state will be partnering with South Dakota’s largest healthcare system, Sanford Health, to provide follow-up to those families whose baby is referred for further testing. We are thrilled that our H&V chapter and EHDI program are working closely with stakeholders and the Department of Health to improve outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing children in South Dakota. The Rulemaking is complete and the new screening brochure is in use. We can’t wait to see what this promising victory will bring. ~
H&V Communicator – Fall 2024