April 6, 2001

SENATE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO. 83

The Honorable Richard Romero and

Members of the Senate

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable President and Members of the Senate:

I have this day VETOED and am returning SENATE BILL 503, as amended enacted by the Forty-Fifth Legislature, First Session, 2001.

This legislation requires the Department of Health to adopt regulations for minimum nursing staff by October 1, 2001. While staffing ratios are an important element in providing quality health care to individuals who are cared for by nursing facilities, these ratios are subject to changing variables and therefore, must be open to adaptation. Accordingly, the intent of this bill, while laudable, is better handled by facility administrative procedures than agency rules.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor

RECEIVED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR:

Time: _____________________ By:_____________________________

Secretary of State

Date ______________________

Time:______________________

Date_______________________ By:_____________________________

Chief Clerk of the Senate

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