California Newborn Hearing Screening Program Overview 

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Children's Medical Services (CMS) Branch has implemented a statewide comprehensive Newborn Hearing Screening Program under the Health and Safety Code Sections relating to newborn hearing screening with amendments required by Assembly Bill (AB) 2651, Chapter 335, Statues of 2007.  The NHSP helps identify hearing loss in infants and guide families to the appropriate services needed to develop communication skills.  

Families of infants delivered in general acute care hospitals with licensed perinatal services which have been certified by DHCS to participate in the NHSP will have the opportunity to have their baby's hearing screened. Infants who do not pass the screening in the hospital will be referred for additional testing after discharge. DHCS is contracting with Hearing Coordination Centers to work with the hospitals in developing hearing screening programs, to perform quality assurance activities, and to follow infants who need additional services.

For more information about the NHSP, you can view know the benefits, view a general information brochure, or contact the program. The phone numbers are 916-322-5794 or (toll free) 877-388-5301, and the e-mail address is nhsp3@dhs.ca.gov.

Health and Safety Code - Regarding the Newborn Hearing Screening Program, AB 2651, Chapter 335, Statues of 2007 

California Law Health and Safety Codes (Not DHCS)