(a) The purpose of this section is to:
(1) enable this state to participate in a study being conducted by a group of southwestern states to obtain information about the birth rates and mortality patterns of persons with Spanish surnames; and
(2) implement recommendations made by the National Center for Health Statistics for improved methods of maintaining vital statistics.
(b) In the next official revision of the prescribed forms for birth and fetal death certificates, the department shall include the following questions and instructions:
(1) Is the father of Spanish origin?
(2) If yes, specify Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, etc.
(3) Is the mother of Spanish origin?
(4) If yes, specify Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, etc.

(c) In the next official revision of the prescribed forms for death certificates, the department shall include the following questions and instructions:
(1) Was the decedent of Spanish origin?
(2) If yes, specify Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, etc.