[Aurornis]

> This was in Nashville. He was an independent contractor they let wander the halls of the laying in ward accosting unsuspecting new parents. He bought the machine. Now he's got a steady income from this grift.

Newborn hearing screening is standard, or even mandated, in most states. This wasn't just a grifter they allowed to roam the halls. They were contracted with the person to administer the tests. It's likely it was even required by your state lawmakers:

Here is the page from the TN department of health that says all newborns should be screened before leaving the hospital or before one month of age: https://www.tn.gov/health/information-for-individuals/i/fact...

If your state is like mine, there might be a law that requires this to be offered at the hospital, along with several other newborn screens.

Newborn hearing screening isn't a scam, and the hospital may not have even had a choice about offering it due to the laws.

[DFHippie]

Well, it wasn't presented to us like that. He asked, "Do you want it?" Implying we could say no. We looked at each other, shrugged, and said, "Okay." It was very sweet until we got the bill.

We had two kids more after the first one. No one offered to test their hearing or required that it be done. The second one is the one who died, but not from hearing-related complications.

[grugagag]

Yeah, seems grifty to me as well and some medical practitioners are solely in for the money so you’ve got to always watch out.

[Suppafly]

>and some medical practitioners are solely in for the money

So is everyone else that works any kind of job. 'Solely in it for the money' is such a weird complaint, as if you'd do your job for free if you were independently wealthy.

[DFHippie]

Actually, most people have multiple motivations for working in their field. Nursery school teachers like kids. They also like getting paid. Most doctors like the status their job confers and helping people in need. They also like getting paid. People who have jobs that suck -- septic tank pumper, say -- may well be in it solely for the money.

[cess11]

Kind of bizarre for the state to force you to do something and then demand that you pay for it too.