NOTE:  As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended only for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used for other purposes.

 

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

 

 

SPONSOR:

Stapleton

 

DATE TYPED:

2/03/03

 

HB

140

 

SHORT TITLE:

Sickle Cell Anemia Program

 

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST:

Maloy

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY03

FY04

FY03

FY04

 

 

 

$129.2

 

 

Recurring

General Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOURCE OF INFORMATION

 

Responses Received From

Department of Health

 

SUMMARY

 

Synopsis of Bill

 

House Bill 140 appropriates $129,200 from the general fund to the department of health to contract for services relating to Sickle Cell Anemia.  Any unexpended or unencumbered balances would revert to the general fund.

 

Significant Issues

 

Every year the Newborn Screening Program identifies two cases of sickle cell diseases (SCD) and 180 hemoglobinopathy/traits in infants.  Currently, there are 30 SCD cases managed by University of New Mexico (UNM) Department of Hematology.

 

The incidence of SCD is predominantly seen in persons of African-American descent, but it (especially hemoglobinopathies) is also seen in the Hispanic population. The Sickle Cell Council of New Mexico is the sole source provider in New Mexico offering specialized services for sickle cell conditions.

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

HB140 appropriates $129.2 from the general fund to the Department of Health for contract services.  This appropriation is not part of the Governor’s Executive Budget Request.  However, the Department of Health has been funding the New Mexico Sickle Cell Council through general funds since 1973.  The increase in this year’s appropriation would facilitate the Sickle Cell Council’s ability to provide needed additional statewide sickle cell education, blood screening and genetic screening.

 

SJM/sb:prr