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	Robinson		DATE TYPED	02/04/04		HB
SHORT TITLE		Community-Based Cancer Patient Services				SB	414
					ANALYST		Chabot

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
	$300.0			Recurring	General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to Appropriation in the General Appropriation Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Department of Health (DOH)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 414 appropriates $300 thousand from the general fund to DOH for the purpose of providing comprehensive community-based cancer patient support services, including education, patient library services, one-to-one matching with cancer veterans, survivorship support groups and an annual statewide survivorship conference.

Significant Issues

According to DOH, approximately 6,200 new cases of cancer are diagnosed annually in New Mexico. Currently, 54,000 people have been diagnosed with cancer in the state. For every person diagnosed, at least four others are impacted. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in New Mexico but as survival rates have increased, there is a greater need for support services in dealing with the emotional, treatment, and interpersonal relationships related to the disease. Support groups are considered crucial in cancer treatment. This appropriation would foster these groups and provide needed resources.

The DOH FY05 appropriation request includes $114 thousand for this purpose.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $300 thousand contained in this bill is a 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.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

The phrase in line 20: “one-to-one matching with cancer veterans” is unclear to intent.

GAC/dm