89R16854 EAS-F
By: Shofner H.B. No. 4882
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to newborn or infant testing for congenital
cytomegalovirus.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The heading to Section 47.003, Health and Safety
Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 47.003. NEWBORN OR INFANT HEARING SCREENING, TRACKING,
AND INTERVENTION PROGRAM; TESTING FOR CONGENITAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS.
SECTION 2. Section 47.003, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by amending Subsections (a), (a-1), and (c) and adding
Subsection (g) to read as follows:
(a) A birthing facility, through a program certified by the
department under Section 47.004, shall perform, either directly or
through a referral to another program certified under that section,
a hearing screening for the identification of hearing loss and a
test for congenital cytomegalovirus on each newborn or infant born
at the facility before the newborn or infant is discharged from the
facility unless:
(1) the parent declines the screening or test;
(2) the newborn or infant is transferred to another
facility before the screening or test is performed;
(3) the screening or test has previously been
completed; or
(4) the newborn was discharged from the birthing
facility not more than 10 hours after birth and a referral for the
newborn was made to a program certified under Section 47.004 at
another birthing facility or operated by a physician or other
health care provider.
(a-1) The birthing facility shall inform the parents during
admission that:
(1) the facility is required by law to:
(A) screen a newborn or infant for hearing loss;
and
(B) conduct a test for congenital
cytomegalovirus; and
(2) the parents may decline both the screening and the
test required under Subdivision (1).
(c) Subject to Section 47.008, the department shall
maintain data and information on each newborn or infant who
receives a hearing screening or congenital cytomegalovirus test
under Subsection (a).
(g) In this section, "congenital cytomegalovirus" has the
meaning assigned by Section 46.001.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.