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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T





SPONSOR: Feldman DATE TYPED: 02/15/01 HB
SHORT TITLE: Amend Medical Practice Act SB 350
ANALYST: Carrillo


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02 FY01 FY02

NFI



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)





SOURCES OF INFORMATION



Board of Medical Examiners

Health Policy Commission



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



Senate Bill 350 amends provisions of the Medical Practice Act regarding licensure by endorsement. The bill contains an emergency clause.



Significant Issues



According to the Board of Medical Examiners staff, the Board rules regulate the number of allowable attempts to take the required exams and the time allowed to pass the exams from the first attempt. These requirements help the Board to assure that applicants licensed in New Mexico have an adequate knowledge base to practice safely. There are special candidates who have taken longer than seven years to pass the required exams. SB 350 will allow the Board to consider applicants who hold a license in another state, have no reportable disciplinary actions, and have special skills and experience that are needed in New Mexico.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



None identified at this time.



WJC/njw