Three states are working toward joining the 40 that have mandated pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). The Rhode Island Department of Health has completed work on regulations that will become effective July 1, 2015. The Mississippi Department of Health has scheduled a vote on pulse oximetry regulations at its October meeting. According to Thad F. Waites, MD, FACC, a member of the ACC's Board of Trustees, the regulations will take effect immediately. Additionally, Washington State Rep. Dawn Morrell, a cardiac nurse, has written a letter to her state's department of health urging it to consider pulse oximetry regulations at its October meeting. Passing CCHD screening legislation is one of the College's state advocacy priorities and the ACC is continually working with local ACC Chapters, ACC's Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology Section, and partners such as Mended Hearts and Mended Little Hearts to ensure the voice of CCHD patients and caregivers is heard on the state level as well as Capitol Hill.

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