HB 2765 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Establishes an advisory council in the department of social and health services for the purpose of advancing the development of a comprehensive and effective statewide system to provide prompt and effective early interventions for children in the state who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families.

Directs the advisory council to develop statewide standards for early intervention services and early intervention services providers specifically related to children who are deaf or hard of hearing by January 1, 2005.

Requires the advisory council to create a pamphlet to be provided to the parents of a child in the state who is diagnosed with hearing loss by their child's pediatrician or audiologist, as appropriate, upon diagnosis of hearing loss. The pamphlet shall contain, at minimum, information on the following: The variety of interventions and treatments available for children who are deaf or hard of hearing; and resources for parent support, counseling, financing, and education related to hearing loss in children.

Requires the pamphlet to be available for distribution by July 1, 2005.