A. The purpose of the program for early identification of hearing loss is to identify deaf or hard of hearing infants at the earliest possible time so that medical treatment, early audiological evaluation, selection of amplification, and early educational intervention can be provided.

            B. Early educational intervention and early audiological services are required under the Education of the Handicapped Act, Amendments of 1986, Public Law 99-457.

            C. Early identification and management of the deaf or hard of hearing infant are essential if that infant is to acquire the vital language and speech skills needed to achieve maximum potential educationally, emotionally, and socially.

            D. Appropriate screening and identification of newborns and infants with hearing loss will therefore serve the public purpose of promoting the healthy development of children and reducing public expenditures for health care, special education, and related services.

            Acts 1992, No. 417, §1; Acts 1999, No. 653, §1; Acts 2017, No. 146, §11.