DEFINITIONS.

In this chapter:

(1) "Birth admission" means the time after birth that a newborn remains in the birthing facility before the newborn is discharged.

(2) "Birthing facility" means:

(A) a hospital licensed under Chapter 241 that offers obstetrical services;

(B) a birthing center licensed under Chapter 244;

(C) a children's hospital; or

(D) a facility, maintained or operated by this state or an agency of this state, that provides obstetrical services.

(3) "Health care provider" means a registered nurse recognized as an advanced practice registered nurse by the Texas Board of Nursing or a physician assistant licensed by the Texas Physician Assistant Board.

(4) "Hearing loss" means a hearing loss of 30 dB HL or greater in the frequency region important for speech recognition and comprehension in one or both ears, approximately 500 through 4,000 Hz. As technological advances permit the detection of less severe hearing loss, the executive commissioner may modify this definition by rule.

(5) "Infant" means a child who is at least 30 days but who is younger than 24 months old.

(6) "Intervention or follow-up care" means the early intervention services described in Part C, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sections 1431-1443).

(7) "Newborn" means a child younger than 30 days old.

(8) "Parent" means a natural parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, legal guardian, or other legal custodian of a child.

(9) "Physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine by the Texas Medical Board.

(10) "Program" means a newborn hearing screening, tracking, and intervention program certified by the department under this chapter.