The Sound Start Program is working towards helping each hospital in the state reach 100% compliance with the recently passed legislation. The professionals involved with this project include:

• The Advisory Council established by law and made up of representatives from many disciplines was appointed by the Governor to serve three-year terms. This council advises the Office of Public Health on the rules and regulations, quality assurance, and program planning and evaluation.

• Two State Coordinators and nine Regional Task Force Coordinators are available to help each hospital create and manage the highest quality hearing-screening program.

• An Epidemiologist is involved in collecting, analyzing, and managing the data from the birthing and screening programs, tracking the follow-up data from diagnostic sources and early intervention programs, and developing reports.

These services are available for Healthcare Providers:

• The Louisiana Law: Act 417 of 1992 and revision in 1999
• Newborn hearing screening rules and regulations
• Diagnostic Audiology follow-up information
• Early Intervention information in each state region
• Data management tools
• Program Evaluation Tools
• Professional Continuing Educational Opportunities

These services are available for families of infants who are deaf or hard of hearing:

• General information on deafness and hearing loss
• Information on Communication Modalities
• Information on Educational opportunities
• Connection with Family Support Groups