Bill 208 THE UNIVERSAL NEWBORN HEARING SCREENING ACT

November 27, I introduced Bill 208 - to provide for universal screening in Manitoba of newborns for hearing loss. Such screening is now done in 48 states and several other provinces. Manitoba has been behind in protecting our children and it is time we are screening all children born in Manitoba for hearing problems.

Significantly, hearing loss occurs in newborns more frequently than any health condition for which newborn screening is currently required;

Significantly, early detection of hearing loss, when combined with early intervention and follow-up, has been demonstrated to be highly effective in encouraging development of a child's health and communication and cognitive skills;

Significantly, such early screening and intervention will serve the public purposes of promoting healthy development of children and reducing public expenditures for health care, special education and related services;

It is time that we pick up hearing problems early. When they are missed, too often children develop more slowly and important opportunities to help children with poor hearing are missed.

To see the bill itself click on the following link.
http://web2.gov.mb.ca/bills/39-3/b208e.php