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

Lopez

DATE TYPED

02/04/04

HB

 

 

SHORT TITLE

Statewide Maternal & Child Health Services

SB

342

 

 

ANALYST

Dunbar

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY04

FY05

FY04

FY05

 

$500.0

 

 

Recurring

General Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relates to HB 242

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

LFC Files

 

Responses Received From

 

SUMMARY

 

Synopsis of Bill

 

Senate Bill 342 appropriates $500,000 from the general fund to the Department of Health for expenditure in fiscal year 2005 for the purpose of providing maternal and child health services pursuant to the provisions of the County Maternal and Child Health Plan Act. 

 

Significant Issues

 

The Department of Health (DOH) is committed to providing support for comprehensive community health improvement (CHI) councils in counties, regions and Tribes in New Mexico, and will continue to use the County Maternal and Child Health (CMCH) Plan Act as a guideline for basic required council structure and function for the purpose of improving health for all New Mexicans. 

 

The purpose of the CMCH Plan Act is to encourage the development of comprehensive, community-based maternal and child health plans to meet the needs of childbearing women and their families, thereby improve the long-term health of New Mexicans across the state including counties, regions and tribes. The Department of Health will assist CHI Councils to organize in response to each jurisdiction’s unique needs and resources identified in the comprehensive health plans.

 

The appropriation in SB342 would be used to ensure local oversight and coordination of all community health issues, founded on those issues related specifically to women and children.  Direct care and program services would be provided through other funding sources, including Medicaid.

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The appropriation of $500.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the General Fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY 05 shall revert to the General Fund.

 

RELATIONSHIP

 

SB342 relates to HB242 which would appropriate $50,000 from the general fund to the public education department for expenditure in FY05 for a character building program for underprivileged and Native American youths in San Juan County. 

 

TECHNICAL ISSUES

 

Four Tribes that are currently funded by DOH may not be eligible for the SB342 appropriation under the County Maternal Child Health Plan Act.  Reference is made to “Amendment” below.

 

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

 

The Legislature passed the Maternal and Child Health Plan Act, which states that DOH may fund Councils to conduct assessment, planning, coordination and evaluation. It is the Department’s intent to clearly align with the statute and have these funds used for their mandated purpose and stop the practice of using state general fund dollars for services that are eligible for funding under Medicaid and other revenue sources.

 

AMENDMENTS

 

On Line 20, before “Any”, insert “Regions and Tribes as well as counties would be eligible for these funds.”

 

 

BD/dm