(1) Any inflammation, swelling, or unusual redness in either one or both eyes of any infant, either apart from or together with any unnatural discharge from the eyes of such infant, independent of the nature of the infection, if any, occurring at any time within two weeks after the birth of such infant shall be known as "inflammation of the eyes of the newly born" (ophthalmia neonatorum).
It is the duty of any physician, nurse, or other person who assists or is in charge atthe birth of an infant or is charged with the care of the infant after birth to treat the eyes of the infant with a prophylaxis in accordance with current standard of care. Such treatment shall be given as soon as practicable after the birth of the infant and always within one hour. If any redness, swelling, inflammation, or gathering of pus appears in the eyes of such infant, or upon the lids or about the eyes, within two weeks after birth, any person charged with care of the infant shall report the same to some competent practicing physician or advanced practice nurse within six hours after its discovery.
Nothing in this section requires medical treatment for the minor child of any personwho is a member of a well-recognized church or religious denomination and whose religious convictions, in accordance with the tenets or principles of his or her church or religious denomination, are against medical treatment for disease.
Source: L. 37: p. 618, § 1. CSA: C. 22, § 69. CRS 53: § 66-6-1. C.R.S. 1963: § 66-61. L. 2012: (2) and (3) added, (HB 12-1058), ch. 71, p. 244, § 1, effective March 24.