The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee passed a bill to reauthorize federal newborn hearing screening programs for the next 5 years, the American Cochlear Implant Alliance (ACI Alliance) announced. The ACI Alliance is a nonprofit organization that advocates for improved access for cochlear implants.
The bill, S.652, now goes to the full Senate for consideration. ACI Alliance, working in a coalition of organizations in hearing healthcare, has been working to advance Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) reauthorization. The Senate bill effort was led by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tim Kaine (D-VA). A House bill is being led by Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA).
The Senate HELP Committee has responsibility for the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2017. Led by Senators Lamar Alexander and Patty Murray, the Committee voted on April 26 to approve the Senate version of the Act.
From left to right: Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT), staff, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN).
The legislation provides Federal funds to states for newborn hearing screening and early intervention services for young children up to age 3. The bill includes language intended to ensure assessment for the full range of assistive hearing technologies appropriate for newborns, infants, and young children, according to the ACI Alliance. Pediatric outcomes with cochlear implants (CI) are dependent upon early identification and early CI, when appropriate.
ACI Alliance will continue its collaborative efforts in support of the House and Senate bill progression. Watch the website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts for more details.
Source and image: ACI Alliance
