NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to HB2

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $149.6 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico for the purpose of supporting the Poison and Drug Information Center at the Health Sciences Center.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $149.6 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY01 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

This bill would add funding for 2.4 FTE poison information specialists. The Center's ratio of calls per FTE per year now exceeds safety standards. The added positions would reduce the ratio from 8,000 calls per FTE to 5,500 calls per FTE. Additionally, it would allow for student training experience for students enrolled in the PharmD program.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

This bill relates to House Bill 2 which contains $149.6 from tobacco income for the purposes outlined in this bill.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The CHE recommends that the following language be included for all new recurring higher education programs: "The institution receiving the special appropriation in this bill shall submit a program evaluation to the LFC and the CHE by August 1, 2003 detailing the benefits to the State from having this program implemented for a three-year period."

APP/gm