45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

REQUESTING THAT DOCTORS OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE BE INCLUDED IN DISCUSSIONS OF MEDICAID ISSUES DURING THE 2002 INTERIM.

WHEREAS, oriental medicine has been practiced throughout the world for over three millennia; and

WHEREAS, doctors of oriental medicine have been licensed to practice in New Mexico for over twenty years; and

WHEREAS, in many cases New Mexicans have experienced notable benefits from the services provided by doctors of oriental medicine after little or no relief from other therapies, including cases of common childhood illnesses such as chronic ear infections, asthma, recurring coughs and sore throats; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico enjoys a great diversity in cultures and lifestyle choices, and New Mexicans have the right to access the health care of their choice without discrimination;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the human services department be requested to include doctors of oriental medicine in discussions of medicaid issues during the 2002 interim; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in future proposed legislation regarding medicaid, doctors of oriental medicine be included as providers for their scope of practice pursuant to the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Practice Act; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of human services, the director of the medical assistance division of the human services department and to the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation.