45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

J. Paul Taylor

FOR THE LEGISLATIVE HEALTH SUBCOMMITTEE

REQUESTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION ENTER INTO A FORMAL AGREEMENT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SCHOOL-BASED CLINICS AND TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE OVERSIGHT OF SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS.

WHEREAS, students have an increased need for access to primary health care; and

WHEREAS, children are often at greater risk for illnesses and injuries than other segments of the population; and

WHEREAS, the New Mexico health policy commission reported that New Mexico children had an uninsured rate of almost twenty-eight percent compared with a national uninsured rate for children of less than fourteen percent; and

WHEREAS, thirty percent of New Mexico children live at or below the federal poverty level; and

WHEREAS, children continue to experiment with sexual activity, alcohol and controlled substances, all of which can easily lead to significant physical, mental and behavioral health problems; and

WHEREAS, oversight authority for school-based health programs varies throughout the state, providing little or no accountability;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health and the state department of public education enter into a formal agreement that clearly delineates the fiscal and policy accountability for the creation and maintenance of additional school-based clinics and health care programs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the departments present their findings, recommendations and agreements before an appropriate interim legislative committee by October 1, 2002; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the department of health and the state department of public education.