46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

RELATING TO THE PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE; CREATING A TASK FORCE TO REVIEW MEDICAID; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. MEDICAID TASK FORCE CREATED.--The "medicaid task force" is created.

Section 2. MEMBERSHIP--APPOINTMENT--VACANCIES-- COMPENSATION.--

A. The medicaid task force shall be composed of twelve members.

B. Members of the task force shall be appointed as follows:

(1) two legislative members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

(2) two legislative members appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives;

(3) two legislative members appointed by the president pro tempore of the senate;

(4) two legislative members appointed by the minority leader of the senate;

(5) one member of the governor's staff appointed by the governor;

(6) one member of the insurance industry appointed by the governor; and

(7) one member of the health maintenance organization community, appointed by the governor.

C. Vacancies on the task force shall be filled by appointment in the same manner as the original appointments.

D. The speaker of the house of representatives and the president pro tempore of the senate shall each designate one co-chair of the task force.

E. Except for the members of the governor's staff and legislators, the members of the task force may be paid pursuant to the Per Diem and Mileage Act and shall receive no other perquisite, compensation or allowance.

Section 3. DUTIES.--

A. After its appointment, the medicaid task force shall hold one organizational meeting to develop a work plan.

B. The task force shall hold meetings.

C. The task force shall examine the statutes, constitutional provisions, rules and court decisions governing medicaid and medicare in New Mexico and shall recommend legislation or changes, if any are found, to the legislature.

D. The task force shall examine what other states have done to improve the quality of health care in New Mexico.

E. The task force shall examine what other states have done to provide incentives for access to quality health care that is affordable to business, the health care providers, the advocates, individuals and the state's budget.

F. The task force shall investigate any changes or instances of abuse or fraud.

Section 4. REPORT.--The medicaid task force shall make an interim report of its findings and recommendations for the consideration of the legislature by September 1, 2003 and a final report to the legislative finance committee.

Section 5. STAFF.--The staff for the medicaid task force shall be provided by the legislative council service.

Section 6. EMERGENCY.--It is necessary for the public peace, health and safety that this act take effect immediately.