A. When medical personnel who are interviewing, examining, attending or treating a person:
(1) receive a report from the person of an act of domestic abuse, the medical personnel shall document the nature of the abuse and the name of the alleged perpetrator of the abuse in the person's medical file and shall provide the person with information and referral to services for victims of domestic abuse; or
(2) may have reason to believe or suspect that the person is a victim of domestic abuse, the medical personnel shall provide the person with information and referral to services for victims of domestic abuse.
B. Medical and other health care related information or communications concerning domestic abuse of a person obtained by or from medical personnel during the course of an interview, examination, diagnosis or treatment are confidential communications unless released:
(1) with the prior written consent of the person;
(2) pursuant to a court order; or
(3) when necessary to provide treatment, payment and operations in accordance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
C. As used in this section, "medical personnel" means:
(1) licensed health care practitioners;
(2) licensed emergency medical technicians;
(3) health care practitioners who interview, examine, attend or treat a person and who are under the guidance or supervision of licensed health care practitioners; and
(4) residents and interns.
History: Laws 2005, ch. 281, § 1.
Effective dates. — Laws 2005, ch. 281, § 2, made this section effective July 1, 2005.
Structure New Mexico Statutes
Article 13 - Family Violence Protection
Section 40-13-1 - Short title.
Section 40-13-1.1 - Legislative findings; state policy; dual arrests.
Section 40-13-2 - Definitions.
Section 40-13-3 - Petition for order of protection; contents; standard forms.
Section 40-13-3.1 - Forbearance of costs associated with domestic abuse offenses.
Section 40-13-3.2 - Ex parte emergency orders of protection.
Section 40-13-4 - Temporary order of protection; hearing; dismissal.
Section 40-13-5.1 - Extended order of protection.
Section 40-13-6 - Service of order; duration; penalty; remedies not exclusive.
Section 40-13-7.1 - Medical personnel; documentation of domestic abuse.
Section 40-13-9 - Domestic violence special commissioners; appointment; qualifications.
Section 40-13-10 - Special commissioners; powers; duties.