SECTION 37.76. Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Birthing facility--An inpatient or ambulatory health care facility that offers obstetrical or newborn care services. The term includes:

(A) a hospital licensed under Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 241, that offers obstetrical services;

(B) a birthing center licensed under Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 244;

(C) a children's hospital; or

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

(2) Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD)--An abnormality in the structure or function of the heart that exists at birth, that causes severe, life-threatening symptoms, and requires medical intervention within the first few hours, days, or months of life.

(3) Department--The Department of State Health Services or its successor.

(4) Echocardiogram--An ultrasound test that evaluates the structure and function of the heart.

(5) Health care practitioner--One of the following individuals who is currently licensed and in good standing as indicated:

(A) an advanced practice registered nurse licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing pursuant to Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 301;

(B) a physician assistant licensed by the Texas Physician Assistant Board pursuant to Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 204; or

(C) a midwife licensed by the Texas Midwifery Board pursuant to Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 203.

(6) Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)--An intensive care unit specializing in the care of ill or premature newborn infants.

(7) Newborn--A child through 30 days of age.

(8) Physician--A person licensed to practice medicine by the Texas Medical Board pursuant to Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 151.

(9) Pulse Oximeter--A U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved instrument used to measure the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is saturated with oxygen in neonates.

(10) Screening algorithm--A standardized process and methodology used to conduct newborn screening for CCHD.

Source Note: The provisions of this §37.76 adopted to be effective August 7, 2014, 39 TexReg 5949