45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2001

REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES, INCLUDING STAFFING AND MANAGEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL STAFF, AT THE CARRIE TINGLEY CRIPPLED CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL.

WHEREAS, the Carrie Tingley crippled children's hospital program was created with the mission of providing care and treatment for New Mexico's children suffering with chronic impairments that may require long-term medical or surgical care; and

WHEREAS, many of New Mexico's children and their families depend on the medical services provided by the Carrie Tingley crippled children's hospital and some travel long distances to receive much-needed health care services from the professional medical staff at the hospital; and

WHEREAS, one of the best ways for the hospital to meet the needs of the children for whom it provides health care services is to focus on the important goals of employing and retaining a high-caliber, well-qualified and experienced professional medical staff that is committed to the long-term health care needs of New Mexico's chronically impaired children; and

WHEREAS, the hiring and retention of the highest-caliber professional medical staff is best accomplished through the implementation of sound employment policies that are conducive to reaching those goals; and

WHEREAS, there has been a large turnover among the professional medical staff employed at the Carrie Tingley crippled children's hospital in recent years; and

WHEREAS, high turnover among the professional medical staff undermines the mission of the Carrie Tingley crippled children's hospital program;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative finance committee be requested to study the employment policies and practices relating to the professional medical staff at the Carrie Tingley crippled children's hospital; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include a comprehensive review of the employment policies and the hiring and firing of licensed physicians, including surgeons and physicians placed in positions of authority, such as department heads, department chairs and medical directors at the hospital; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include a review of the financial settlements made by the hospital as a result of the firing of any professional medical staff; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include an evaluation of the staffing patterns in the various departments and a determination as to whether such staffing patterns are efficient and provide for the best possible patient care; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislative finance committee report its findings and recommendations to the New Mexico legislative council no later than December 15, 2001; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to members of the legislative finance committee and its director, members of the New Mexico legislative council and the board of regents of the university of New Mexico.