Increasing Access to Newborn Hearing and Pulse Oximetry Screening in Out-of-Hospital Births Grant

The grant aims to enhance access to newborn hearing and pulse oximetry screenings in out-of-hospital settings across Minnesota. By providing portable screening equipment, it seeks to ensure timely identification and intervention for infants who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) and those with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). This initiative aligns with state mandates to improve newborn health outcomes and connect families with essential services.

Increasing Access to Newborn Hearing and Pulse Oximetry Screening in Out-of-Hospital Births
The purpose of the Increasing Access to Newborn Hearing and Pulse Oximetry Screening in Out-of-Hospital Births funding is to minimize barriers to newborn hearing and pulse oximetry screening in out-of-hospital birth settings. Increasing access to portable screening equipment will provide timely results for infants and children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) as early as possible and connect those children/families to timely and appropriate services and interventions.
Newborn hearing screening in Minnesota became mandated in 2007. Minn. Stat. § 144.966 requires health professionals attending a birth outside of a hospital to provide both oral and written information to parents about the importance of hearing screening. Additionally, as stated in the statute, the professional conducting the procedure must report the results to the parents, primary care provider, and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Out-ofhospital birth providers who are trained as hearing screeners and have full access to equipment to screen infants can offer the newborn hearing screen instead of having to refer clients elsewhere or delaying the screen due to limited access.
Babies found with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) are sometimes sent home without care because they appear healthy. At home, these babies can develop serious health problems and often require emergency care. If CCHD is detected early, however, infants can be treated and lead healthier lives.
Pulse oximetry screening in Minnesota became mandated in 2013. Minn. Stat. § 144.1251 requires birth providers to provide screening for critical congenital heart disease to all newborns prior to discharge; results of the screening must be reported to MDH. Out-ofHospital birth providers with access to pulse oximetry devices can provide this important screening in a timely manner.
This grant will serve:

• Midwives practicing in MinnesotaAll regions of Minnesota