The Department shall establish and maintain a model system to provide for the implementation of an early identification program and follow-up of newborns and infants who have or are at risk for developing a permanent hearing status that affects speech-language skills and includes the following components:

1. A. Educational materials;
2. B. Telephone resource line;
3. C. Department database to gather and maintain program data;
4. D. A service referral directory;
5. E. In-service training of hospitals, local health departments, and local education agencies;
6. F. Referral to appropriate agency or professional for services;
7. G. Program monitoring and review;
8. H. Confidentiality of records and information in accordance with Health-General Article, §§4-101 and 4-301 — 4-309, Annotated Code of Maryland; and

9. I. Continuum of follow-up which includes:

   1. (1) Contacting the primary care provider in writing or by telephone to verify the status of the infant;
   2. (2) Contacting parents or guardians in writing or by telephone to facilitate referral for diagnostic audiological assessment and referral for appropriate services; and
   3. (3) Interfacing with the single point of entry for the early intervention system.

Authority: Health-General Article, §§13-601—13-605, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: January 20, 1992 (19:1 Md. R. 32)

Regulations .01—.09 repealed and new Regulations .01—.09 adopted effective June 22, 2015 (42:12 Md. R. 762)

Regulation .03B amended effective March 30, 2026 (53:6 Md. R. 291)