RELATING TO HEALTH; REQUIRING HEARING SENSITIVITY TESTING FOR ALL NEWBORN INFANTS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO: Section 1. NEWBORN HEARING TESTING REQUIRED--DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.--By July 1, 2001, the department of health shall adopt rules to require that infants born in health facilities licensed by the department shall be screened for hearing sensitivity prior to being discharged. The rules shall also require the testing of newborns brought to licensed health facilities after birth who have not received a hearing sensitivity screening and notification to the parents of all screened infants of the results of the hearing sensitivity screening. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require screening for hearing sensitivity of a newborn infant if the infant's parents object to the screening on the grounds that it conflicts with their religious beliefs.

Section 2. EMERGENCY.--It is necessary for the public peace, health and safety that this act take effect immediately.