STATE News:
SANTA FE — Feb. 6, the House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 32: the Counseling Licensure Compact and House Bill 33: the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to expand access to behavioral and mental healthcare in New Mexico.
HB 32 and HB 33 round out the list of 10 compact bills introduced this session, all of which have unanimously passed the House, with two signed into law by the Governor this morning (SB 1, HB 50). These important pieces of legislation enter New Mexico into interstate compacts, which allow licensed, qualified healthcare providers in other states to serve patients in New Mexico and streamline the licensing process for providers moving here.
“We know that right now, New Mexico’s behavioral healthcare system does not have the capacity to meet the needs of our state,” said Rep. Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque), lead sponsor of HB 32 and 33. “While the legislature continues investing in building up our in-state workforce, participation in these compacts will provide the help New Mexicans need today, while also easing the process for providers who want to practice here.”
Participation in interstate compacts is one important piece of the House Democrats’ wide-ranging set of legislation to improve access to high-quality, affordable healthcare throughout the state. House Democrats are also advancing legislation and investments to lower out-of-pocket healthcare costs, recruit and retain providers, and make targeted changes to the state’s medical malpractice laws to protect both patients and healthcare practitioners.
A select list of House Democrats’ key healthcare priorities is below.
The Roundhouse will be open to the public for the entirety of this year’s 30-day session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.
Select Healthcare Priorities
A non-comprehensive list of healthcare investments and legislation that has or will be introduced by House Democrats this session includes:
Lowering out-of-pocket healthcare costs by expanding the Healthcare Affordability Fund, allowing the state to continue keeping marketplace insurance premiums affordable for working families (HB 4, HB 2*)
Growing a strong healthcare workforce by doubling the size of the UNM Medical School (HB 2)*
Creating a licensure pathway for qualified international physicians (HB 127)
Investing heavily in provider recruitment and retention (HB 68), including expanding the state’s loan repayment program and offsetting the cost of training for residents (HB 2*), and expanding the Rural Healthcare Practitioner Tax Credit (HB 142)
Making targeted changes to medical malpractice laws to improve the climate for doctors and providers (HB 99, HB 195, HB 15)
Creating a personal income tax credit for healthcare providers mentoring aspiring students in their field (HB 90)
Improving access to healthcare by joining interstate medical compacts
HB 10: Physician Assistant Interstate Compact*
HB 11: Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact*
HB 12: Physical Therapy Licensure Compact*
HB 13: Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact*
HB 14: Dental and Dentist Hygienist Compact*
HB 31: EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact*
HB 32: Counseling Licensure Compact*
HB 33: Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact*
HB 50: Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact*
SB 1: Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Act*
*Indicates legislation has passed the House