Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 11, June 11, 2024
Section 8.26.4.14 - PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH STANDARDS FOR FOSTER CARE PROVIDER LICENSUREA. All applicants must be assessed to be physically and mentally capable of caring for a foster child in their home. The following are the minimum documentation requirements for licensure; however, these requirements shall not prevent placement of a relative or fictive kin if efforts are made to obtain documentation or appointments: (1) a physical exam within the past 12 months from the application date, from a licensed health care professional recognized by PSD. The exam results must indicate the applicants are capable of caring for an additional child. PSD may require additional documentation and evaluation to make such a determination. The applicant is responsible for obtaining and paying for their physical exam, however, relative or fictive kin applicants who may need financial assistance shall contact PSD for further guidance.(2) immunization records for any child residing in the home must be provided to PSD. All children who are household members must be up to date on all immunizations jointly recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Family Physicians, unless a waiver has been issued by the department of health; and(3) all household members who will be caregivers of infants must have an up to date pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine consistent with the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), unless the immunization is contrary to the individual's health as documented by a licensed care professional. All household members who will be caregivers of infants or children with special medical needs must have an up to date annual influenza vaccine consistent with the recommendations of the ACIP, unless the immunization is contrary to the individual's health as documented by a licensed health care professional.B. Applicants and all household members must disclose any past or current physical, mental health and substance abuse history, including any history of drug or alcohol abuse or treatment. PSD may require further documentation and evaluation to determine the suitability of the home.8.26.4.14 NMAC - Rp, 8 NMAC 27.3.12 & 8.27.2.15 NMAC, 5/29/09; A, 8/15/11, Amended by New Mexico Register, Volume XXX, Issue 13, July 16, 2019, eff. 7/16/2019, Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXI, Issue 03, February 11, 2020, eff. 2/11/2020