(1) (a) On and after January 1, 2016, a birthing facility that is below seven thousand feet of elevation shall test all infants born in the facility for critical congenital heart defects using pulse oximetry.
Upon receipt of the confirmation of the appropriate algorithm for the pulse oximetryreading from the newborn screening committee, the newborn screening committee shall evaluate whether pulse oximetry testing in birthing facilities at or above seven thousand feet elevation meets the criteria in section 25-4-1004. Upon confirmation from the committee that the criteria have been met, the state board of health shall promulgate rules to ensure that all newborns born at or above seven thousand feet elevation are screened for critical congenital heart defects.
The critical congenital heart defect screening using pulse oximetry must be performed on every newborn prior to the newborn's release from the birthing facility.
Each birthing facility shall report the results of the pulse oximetry screenings to thedepartment of public health and environment. The state board of health may promulgate rules for the implementation of this section.
As used in this section, a "birthing facility" means a general hospital or birthingcenter licensed or certified pursuant to section 25-1.5-103 and that provides birthing and newborn care services.
Source: L. 2015: Entire section added, (HB 15-1281), ch. 241, p. 893, § 2, effective August 5. L. 2016: (1)(b) amended, (SB 16-189), ch. 210, p. 770, § 61, effective June 6.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 15-1281, see section 1 of chapter 241, Session Laws of Colorado 2015.