New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 7 - HEALTH
Chapter 30 - FAMILY AND CHILDREN HEALTH CARE SERVICES
Part 7 - PREVENTION OF INFANT BLINDNESS
Section 7.30.7.8 - RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADMINISTRATION
Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
A. Every physician, midwife, nurse or other person in professional attendance to a birth in this state shall be required to administer for prophylaxis of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum, a 1 percent silver nitrate solution in single-dose ampules or single use tubes of an ophthalmic ointment containing 0.5 percent erythromycin or 1 percent tetracycline into both eyes of a newborn infant as soon as possible after birth.
B. Prior to administration of local prophylaxis, each eyelid should be wiped gently with sterile cotton.
C. Two drops of a 1 percent silver nitrate solution or a one to two cm ribbon of either erythromycin or tetracycline ointment are placed in the lower conjunctival sac of each eye. The eyelids are then gently massaged to spread the medication.
D. After one minute, the excess drops or ointment can be wiped away with sterile cotton.
E. No attempts should be made to flush the eyes after installation of the medication because flushing will decrease the effectiveness of the treatment.
F. In cases where a parent specifically objects to the use of silver nitrate solution in the eyes of their newborn infant, the hospital, physician, midwife, or other professional person charged with the administration of prophylaxis, must administer an alternative ophthalmic ointment containing 0.5 percent erythromycin or 1 percent tetracycline. These compounds are the only compounds recognized by the New Mexico health department as safe and effective agents for prevention of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum.
G. Providers should use universal precautions in administering eye prophylaxis as with all medication administration.
H. Hospitals in which prophylaxis is delayed should establish a check system to ensure that all infants are treated.
I. Any residual medication instilled in the eyes of newborns for the prevention of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum is to be discarded and not sent home with the infant at the time of discharge.
