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

REQUESTING FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE POSSIBLE REORGANIZATION OF STATE AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION, FUNDING AND DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE IN NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, medical inflation continues to outpace general inflation both nationally and statewide; and

WHEREAS, the state expends a considerable portion of its annual budget on health care programs; and

WHEREAS, the state has fallen short of its statutory policy, stated in Subsection D of Section 9-7-11.1 NMSA 1978, "to promote optimal health; to prevent disease, disability and premature death; to improve the quality of life; and to assure that basic health services are available, accessible, acceptable and culturally appropriate, regardless of financial status"; and

WHEREAS, various interim and statutory committees have expressed concern about the state's financial accountability and statutory and regulatory compliance with federal and state health programs; and

WHEREAS, advocates for health care consumers, disabled and elderly persons, children, poor families and other disenfranchised populations have similarly expressed concerns about the administration of federal and state health care programs; and

WHEREAS, the administration of health care programs has become increasingly complex and expensive; and

WHEREAS, numerous states have reorganized their executive departments responsible for providing health care and related human needs services to ensure appropriate and accountable oversight of state expenditures; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico needs a clear delineation of fiscal and policy responsibilities for health care administered, funded and delivered by the state;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative health subcommittee or appropriate interim committee be directed to study and assess the reorganization of state agencies and their responsibilities relating to the administration, funding and delivery of health care; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the designated committee present its findings and a legislative proposal to the legislative health and human services committee and the legislative finance committee by October 1, 2002 for the reorganization of agencies and programs relating to the administration, funding and delivery of health care; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the legislative health subcommittee, the legislative health and human services committee and the legislative finance committee.