(a) Pass/refer criteria.

1. (1) To be considered a “pass”, a screening must encompass frequencies within the speech range to minimally include two thousand hertz to four thousand hertz (2,000 Hz – 4,000 Hz) at an intensity level commensurate with normal hearing sensitivity.
2. (2) Hospitals may be required by the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening, Tracking, and Intervention Advisory Board to submit detailed information regarding their specific pass/refer criteria.

(b) Referral rates.

1. (1) Ideal refer rates in a universal newborn hearing screening program should not exceed five percent (5%), although hospitals with refer rates of five percent to ten percent (5% – 10%) will be considered in compliance.

2. (2)

   1. (A) Hospitals with refer rates exceeding ten percent (10%) for three (3) consecutive months will be contacted by the Department of Health’s Program Coordinator for assistance in reaching compliance with these guidelines.
   2. (B) Failure to reach compliance within an additional three (3) months may result in penalties pursuant to the authority conferred by Arkansas Code § 20-7-101 et seq.

(c) Written material to be provided to parents:

1. (1) Purposes and benefits of newborn hearing screening;
2. (2) Milestones of auditory, speech, and language development;
3. (3) Procedures used for hearing screening and results of the hearing screening; and
4. (4) Recommendations for further testing locations at which medical and audiological follow-up care and follow-up screening can be obtained.