44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

RELATING TO HEALTH; REQUIRING HEARING TESTING OF NEWBORNS; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. NEWBORN HEARING TESTS REQUIRED.--By January 1, 2001 all infants born in health facilities licensed by the department of health shall be tested for hearing proficiency. The department of health shall, by July 1, 2000, adopt rules under which newborn hearing testing shall be conducted and reported, including notification and education of parents about the infant's condition.

Section 2. APPROPRIATION.--One hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the department of health for expenditure by the children's medical services program in fiscal years 2000 and 2001 for the purpose of supporting a program for newborn infant hearing testing and follow-up. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2001 shall revert to the general fund.

Section 3. EMERGENCY.--It is necessary for the public peace, health and safety that this act take effect immediately.