Rhode Island Newborn Screening Program Information

Website:         www.health.ri.gov/genetics/newborn.php

General information by telephone: Family Health Information Line 1-800-942-7434

Contact:     Kristi Zonno , MS, CGC, Newborn Screening Program Manager
                        Phone: 401-222-5982
                        E-mail: Kristi.Zonno@health.ri.gov

Disorders screened for: As of July 1, 2006 RI screens babies for 29 conditions as recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics. Click here for a list of conditions

Additional screening:

Hearing loss

• Performed by the Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program (RIHAP)

401-277-3700 voice/relay or 401-277-3701 TTY/TDD
www.health.ri.gov/family/hearing/universal.php
 
Developmental risk assessment
Before babies are discharged from birthing hospitals in RI, a program nurse reviews pregnancy and delivery records to see if there are any
reasons a baby's development could be delayed.  Parents of babies who
have developmental risks are offered home visits through the Family
Outreach Program http://www.health.ri.gov/family/familyoutreach/index.php

Newborn Screening Program Brochures: Comprehensive brochures are available in English and Spanish and are provided to families at three time points.  The first brochure is provided to pregnant women by obstetricians and other prenatal care providers.  The second brochure is given to parents in the hospital soon after their baby is born.  The third brochure is mailed to parents a few weeks after their baby is discharged from the hospital.  

Rhode Island NBS Guide | Rhode Island NBS Guide (Spanish) | Rhode Island Disorders Screened Brochure| Rhode Island Disorders Screened Brochure (Spanish)

Follow-up: Babies diagnosed with metabolic, endocrine, or hemoglobinopathies through the Newborn Screening Program are referred to specialists at Rhode Island Hospital for diagnosis and treatment.  This is coordinated by the Visiting Nurse Agency of Care New England (401-737-6050).  Babies who do not pass the newborn hearing screening are referred to an audiologist for further evaluation.  This follow-up is coordinated by the RI Hearing Assessment Program (401-277-3700).  Parents of babies who have developmental risks are offered home visit(s) through the Family Outreach Program.