Newborn Screening & Genetic Services

Hearing screening is required on all New Jersey births, including out of hospital deliveries.  The test is easy and does not hurt and most babies will sleep through the screening.

Screening Completed by the Midwife

Upon registering the birth in the New Jersey birth certificate system, the Vital Events Registration and Information (VERI) system, indicates the hearing screening results on the newborn screening tab.

If you conduct a hearing screening after the VIP record has been finalized, the SCH-2 form should be submitted to the EHDI program to document the screening. 

Parent Refusal

The New Jersey hearing screening law states that “no newborn child shall be screened for hearing loss if the parent of the newborn objects to such screening on the grounds that the screening conflicts with the parents' bona fide religious tenets or practices.”

Upon registering the birth in the New Jersey birth certificate system, VERI, you can indicate a parent refusal on the newborn screening tab. 

Infant Transferred to a Hospital

The receiving hospital is responsible for completing the screening and documenting the screening result.

No Screening Completed

Upon registering the birth in the New Jersey birth certificate system, VERI, indicate “missed (other)” and note that the family will be referred for screening.

Families can be directed to the New Jersey Pediatric Hearing Healthcare Directory to find a provider to conduct the screening.