The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Advisory committee.” The Department of Health's Infant Hearing Screening Advisory Committee.

“Birth admission.” The time after birth that the newborn remains in the hospital or birth center prior to discharge.

“Birth center.” A facility not part of a hospital which provides maternity care to childbearing families not requiring hospitalization. A birth center provides a homelike atmosphere for maternity care including prenatal, labor, delivery and postpartum care related to medically uncomplicated pregnancies.

“Child.” A person up to 21 years of age.

“Department.” The Department of Health of the Commonwealth.

“Early intervention.” The existing Statewide system of coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency programs maintained by the Department of Education, the Department of Health and the Department of Public Welfare¹ to provide appropriate services to all eligible infants, children and their families under the act of December 19, 1990 (P.L. 1372, No. 212),² known as the Early Intervention Services System Act.

“Health care facility.” Any hospital providing clinically related health services for obstetrical and newborn care or birth center, both profit and nonprofit, and including those operated by an agency, State or local government. The term shall not include an office used primarily for private or group practice by health care practitioners where no reviewable clinically related health services are offered.

“Infant.” A child 30 days of age up to 24 months of age.

“Newborn.” A child up to and including 29 days of age.

“Parent.” A natural parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, legal guardian or legal custodian of a child.

“Program.” The Infant Hearing Education, Assessment, Reporting and Referral (IHEARR) Program.

“Secretary.” The Secretary of Health of the Commonwealth.