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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR Picraux

DATE TYPED 1/27/05

HB 180

SHORT TITLE Immunization Info For Pharmacists

SB

ANALYST Hanika-Ortiz

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

NFI

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Department of Health (DOH)

Regulation and Licensing Department

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

HB 180 amends Section 24-5-8 NMSA 1978 by specifically adding the term “pharmacists” to

the category of healthcare providers able to access the immunization registry both to receive and

report patient immunization information.

Significant Issues

The Department of Health reports that pharmacists are legally able to prescribe and administer

immunizations via Title 16 Occupational and Professional Licensing.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

The Department of Health reports that immunizations are a priority for the Governor and the De-

partment of Health as reflected in the Department of Health Strategic Health Plan, Strategic Di-

rection: Improve the Health of New Mexicans, Objective 1. Immunize Children.

House Bill 180 -- Page 2

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The Regulation and Licensing Department claims that similar reporting requirements already

exist in the Board of Pharmacy Regulations which allow for the notification to a designated pri-

mary care provider or the Department of Health of any vaccine administered.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

The current language in the Immunization Act “…and other health care providers…” includes

pharmacists but creating a unique category reinforces the pharmacist as a member of the registry

community.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The Department of Health reports that the rates of childhood immunization in New Mexico are

extremely low, partly due to poor documentation of immunization information. The immuniza-

tion registry will improve rates because it is an on-line and up-to-date source of immunization

information for New Mexico medical care providers, school nurses, public health personnel and

under HB 180, if passed, pharmacists.

ALTERNATIVES

None indicated.

WHAT WILL BE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT ENACTING THIS BILL.

Pharmacists would still be considered in the category of “health care providers” under the Im-

munization Act. However, the DOH reports some confusion in the pharmacy community that

they could not report or access the Immunization Registry.

AHO/sb