Sustainability

An EHDI sustainability meeting was held in Bismarck on October 15, 2007.  The group discussed:

• the history of the ND EHDI program
• how the current EHDI program is functioning
• what is needed to sustain an EHDI program
• strategies for sustaining the ND EHDI program
• possible collaboration with the ND newborn metabolic screening program – consider doing follow-up on infants that need additional services the same manner that it is done with the metabolic screening program – through the primary care provider
• possible data linkage with the ND immunization system – this may provide a method to communicate with the primary care provider regarding hearing screening results or the need for additional screening or diagnostic testing

When discussing sustainability options, it was recommended that the Department of Health develop a “fiscal note” for an EHDI and newborn metabolic screening program.  Once the fiscal note has been developed, the ND Healthcare Association will have a discussion with the ND Medical Association regarding the support needed for the program. 

Staff from NDCPD will be pursuing the option of data linkage with the ND newborn metabolic screening program and the ND immunization system.  Staff will explore how the linkage would occur and what type of notes can be placed within the system.

Another EHDI sustainability meeting will be held on November 24, 2008.