A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE AND THE LEGISLATIVE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON HEALTH CARE EXPENDITURES, REFORM EFFORTS AND EXPECTED TRENDS.

WHEREAS, the world health organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity; and

WHEREAS, health care is broader than simply coverage, access and delivery but also includes, among other public health initiatives, primary and preventive care, nutrition and exercise; and

WHEREAS, medical advancement and health care developments have broadened doctor-patient relationships with alternative medicine, in-home and community-based health care, managed care, disease and case management and countless other initiatives; and

WHEREAS, the viability of the health care industry is as much a part of economic development as new and higher paying jobs; and

WHEREAS, the continuously increasing costs of health care are forcing the federal government and the states to consider a wide range of initiatives to reform public health programs; and

WHEREAS, it is the statutory policy of the state of New Mexico to promote optimal health; to prevent disease, disability and premature death; to improve the quality of life; and to assure that basic health services are available, accessible, acceptable and culturally appropriate, regardless of financial status; and

WHEREAS, the state's policy is to be realized through education, motivation and support of the individual in healthy behavior; protection and improvement of the physical and social environments; promotion of health services for early diagnosis and prevention of disease and disability; and provisions of basic treatment services needed by all New Mexicans; and

WHEREAS, despite the state's policy, there continues to be significant disagreement and debate about how to address the health needs of all New Mexicans;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative health and human services committee and the legislative finance committee be requested to conduct a comprehensive study to review or determine the impact of health care expenditures, including compensated and uncompensated costs, on the health care industry and the state's economy; a review of state and national health care reform efforts over the last fifteen years; the cost and benefits of primary, preventive and public health initiatives; the expected fiscal and policy trends in the next decade; and the public and private cost of providing health care to all New Mexicans; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislative health and human services committee and the legislative finance committee be requested to provide a written report to the New Mexico legislative council by November 1, 2003; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the New Mexico legislative council, the legislative finance committee and the appropriate interim legislative committee.