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)

SUMMARY

     Synopsis of HCPAC Amendment

The amendment adds to the educational requirements for certification a four year academic curriculum in naprapathy, in not less than three calendar years, and completion of 132 hours of academic credit, including 66 credit hours in basic science with emphasis on the study of connective tissue and 66 credit hours in clinical science courses teaching naprapathic science, theory and application. The amendment also includes technical clean-up language.

Synopsis of Original Bill

House Bill 447 would create the Naprapathic Practice Act, establishing the Naprapathy Board to license and regulate the profession.

Significant Issues

The Sunrise Act (Section 12-9A-4 NMSA 1978) requires any group seeking licensure or regulation of a profession or occupation through creation of a new board or commission to submit a $1.0 application fee to the Regulation and Licensing Department and request a review and evaluation of such proposed licensure or regulation. The Regulation and Licensing Department is required to conduct such a review and provide a report to the Legislative Finance Committee so it may conduct a hearing or consider action on the proposed licensure board.

The Naprapath profession did not follow this procedure established by the Sunrise Act. The group should submit an application to the Regulation and Licensing Department as established by statute. The department would then evaluate the application and make a recommendation to the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC). Subsequently the LFC would make a recommendation to the Legislature on licensing and regulation of the profession.

Naprapathic practice includes the diagnosis and treatment of persons with connective tissue disorders through the use of special techniques, review of case history, examination and palpation or treatment of a person by the use of connective tissue manipulation, therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, postural counseling, nutritional counseling and the application or use of heat, cold, light, water, radiant energy, electricity, sound and air and assistive devices for the purpose of preventing, correcting or alleviating a physical disability.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The licensure fee established by the bill is an amount up to $500. There is no information available on the number of persons in this profession in New Mexico. All licensure boards in the state operate from self-generated funding.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

This board would be established under the supervision of the Regulation and Licensing Department.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

Additional information is needed by the Regulation and Licensing Department and the Legislative Finance Committee before the Legislature can evaluate the need for this licensure board.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

• Why didn't this profession apply for licensure status with the Regulation and Licensing Department?



• How many members are employed in this profession in the state?



• Are the members willing to submit an application to the Regulation and Licensing Department for consideration of licensure in the 2002 Legislative Session?



• Why do the educational requirements with the amendment include both a two-year college-level program and a four-year academic curriculum in naprapathy.

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