Section 878.4 - Pulse oximetry screening(a)General rule.--Except as provided for in subsection (c), the department shall require a birthing facility to perform a critical congenital heart defects screening using pulse oximetry on a newborn child in its care before discharge from the birthing facility.(b) Delivery other than in a birthing facility.--If a health care practitioner delivers a newborn child other than in a birthing facility and the newborn child is discharged prior to 24 hours of age, then the health care practitioner shall perform or cause to be performed critical congenital heart defects screening using pulse oximetry within 48 hours of birth.(c)Alternate medically accepted test.-- (1) A birthing facility shall perform a pulse oximetry test on each newborn to detect critical congenital heart defects at the effective date of this section until such time that an alternate medically accepted test that measures the percentage of blood oxygen saturation and follows medical guideline consensus and recommendations issued by national medical organizations advocating on behalf of cardiovascular care is approved by the department.(2) If the department identifies an alternate medically accepted test that meets such criteria, the department shall approve the test by publishing notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and allowing for a 30-day public comment period prior to approving the new test.(d)Exception.--A screening test under subsection (a) , (B) or (C) may not be performed if a parent or guardian of the newborn child dissents on the ground that the test conflicts with a religious belief or practice.Added by P.L. 853 2014 No. 94, § 4, eff. 9/30/2014.