Bill > HB76

This bill amends existing New Mexico law to expand screening tests for congenital heart disease in newborn infants by requiring two additional testing methods: (1) a pulse oximeter test (which measures blood oxygen levels) before hospital discharge, and (2) an echocardiogram and electrocardiogram for infants with certain familial risk factors. The familial risk factors include parental history of unexplained fainting, sudden seizures, exercise-related chest pain, family deaths before age 50, or previous heart-related medical interventions like pacemakers. If a healthcare facility lacks the necessary equipment or staff to perform these specialized heart tests, they must provide parents with a referral to complete the tests upon discharge. The bill also adds definitions for echocardiogram (an ultrasound test to detect heart defects) and electrocardiogram (a test measuring heart electrical activity), and maintains the existing provision that parents can waive these tests in writing after being informed of their purpose. This legislation aims to improve early detection of critical congenital heart diseases in newborns by implementing more comprehensive screening protocols.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=76&year=25