A Version of Chloe's Law in Nebraska!

All Nebraska newborns would be screened for congenital heart defects using pulse oximetry under a bill heard by the Health and Human Services Committee Feb. 10.

Tekamah Sen. Kent Rogert, sponsor of LB1067, said congenital heart defects occur in approximately 1 in 110 births and are the leading cause of newborn and infant death.

Studies show that half of serious congenital heart defects are missed during routine examinations after birth, he said, and that pulse oximetry can detect three-fourths of critical defects.

“Early detection is key,” Rogert said. “We can save lives.”

Marci Smith, whose daughter was born with a serious congenital heart defect, testified in support of the bill. She said the defect was not detected during pregnancy or during her daughter’s initial health assessment.

“Even the most severe heart defects can go undetected,” she said, adding that pulse oximetry helped in her daughter’s diagnosis.

“Her early intervention may have been the pivotal moment that saved her life,” Smith said. “The screening is not invasive and it gives an immediate response.”

Don Wesely, testifying on behalf of the Nebraska Nurses Association, also supported the bill.

Physical exams often fail to detect congenital heart defects, he said, and the nurses association supports the bill’s attempt to improve detection rates.

“This won’t catch every case, but it will catch some,” Wesely said. “It will save lives.”

David Buntain of the Nebraska Medical Association testified in opposition, saying decisions about which medical tests to perform should be left to medical professionals.

“The Legislature should not be put in the position of legislating standards of care,” he said.

The committee took no immediate action on LB1067.


Source: Unicameral Update