The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2008 (H.R. 1198) passed the House on April 8. Introduced by Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) and Rep. Jim Walsh (R-NY), the Act of 2008 reauthorizes and amends legislation that was originally passed nine years ago as part of the Children’s Health Act. That Act created the federal government’s landmark Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program. This reauthorization will expand the program to provide services for young children (previously limited to infants and newborns) and include diagnostic services such as family-to-family support programs. The Senate is considering similar legislation (SB 1069).

Source: HIA