Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports if they are used for other purposes.

 

Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are available on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us).  Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not.  Previously issued FIRs and attachments may also be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

 

 

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

 

 

 

SPONSOR

Lujan, B.

DATE TYPED

2/10/04

HB

538

 

SHORT TITLE

Study Effects of Susto Syndrome

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST

Wilson

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY04

FY05

FY04

FY05

 

$100.0

 

 

Non-Recurring

General Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Duplicates SB 480

 

Relates to Appropriation in the General Appropriation Act

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

 

Response Received From

New Mexico Highlands University

Office of Indian Affairs (OIA)

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

 

SUMMARY

 

Synopsis of Bill

 

House Bill 538 appropriates $100 thousand from the General Fund to the Board of Regents of New Mexico Highlands University to conduct a statewide study on the effects of susto in order to:

 

  • evaluate the social impact of the disease identified as susto syndrome on the population of the State, with emphasis on the indigenous population;

 

  • determine the effectiveness of both conventional and alternative treatment modalities;

 

  • determine ways to address the illness through intervention, treatment and prevention; and

 

  • identify methods to increase awareness of the negative social, mental and medical impacts of the disease.

 

CHE defines Susto as an illness attributed to a frightening event that causes the soul to leave the body, leading to symptoms of unhappiness and sickness.  Symptoms are extremely variable and may occur months or years after the supposedly precipitating event.

 

Significant Issues

 

The bill will fund a study of the effects of susto syndrome, which is a culture-bound syndrome associated with the Hispanic community.

 

This study will provide an opportunity to better understand the concept of susto as it relates to the development of other physical illnesses (i.e., type II diabetes).

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The appropriation of $100.0 contained in this bill is a non-recurring expense to the General Fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of Fiscal Year 2005 shall revert to the General Fund.

 

DUPLICATION

 

HB 538 duplicates SB 480

 

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

 

This request was not among those submitted for Fiscal Year 2005 funding by the New Mexico Highlands Board of Regents to the Commission on Higher Education. Consequently the Commission did not review it.

 

DW/dm