RELATING TO IMMUNIZATIONS; AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE NMSA 1978 PERTAINING TO IMMUNIZATION REGULATIONS AND FUNDING.

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

Section 1. Section 24-5-1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1959, Chapter 329, Section 1, as amended) is amended to read:

"24-5-1. IMMUNIZATION REGULATIONS.--The public health division of the department of health shall, after consultation with the state board of education, promulgate rules and regulations governing the immunization against diseases deemed to be dangerous to the public health, to be required of children attending public, private, home or parochial schools in the state. The immunizations required and the manner and

frequency of their administration shall conform to recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices of the United States department of health and human services and the American academy of pediatrics. The public health division shall supervise and secure the enforcement of the required immunization program."

Section 2. Section 24-5-5 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1959, Chapter 329, Section 5, as amended) is amended to read:

"24-5-5. WHO MAY IMMUNIZE--WHO MUST PAY.--The immunization required by Chapter 24, Article 5 NMSA 1978 may be done by any health care provider who holds a license or certificate pursuant to state law that authorizes him to immunize. If the parents are unable to pay, the immunization shall be provided by the public health division of the department of health. The department shall undertake every effort to obtain federal funding to implement the department's immunization program. No public health employee may receive any fee for immunization service if the service is compensated for by the public health division. Local school boards may contribute toward the cost of materials and supplies for immunizations."

HB 402

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