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

SPONSOR Campos, P.

DATE TYPED 01/24/05 HB

SHORT TITLE Study Military Hospital Corpsman as Nurses

SJM 7

ANALYST Moser

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

See Narrative

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Board of Nursing

Responses Received From

Board of Nursing

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Joint Memorial 7 requests the Board of Nursing to conduct an in-depth comparison of

curricula, training and job descriptions of military hospital corpsmen against requirements for

levels of licensure for nurses in New Mexico and to explore at what level of licensure military

hospital corps should be able to sit for examination to enter the nursing profession. Senate Joint

Memorial 7 also directs the Board of Nursing to consult with military and civilian physicians and

hospital administrators, nursing home administrators, home health agencies, schools of nursing

and other appropriate parties. The Board of Nursing must report its findings to the appropriate

interim legislative committee by November 1, 2005.

Significant Issues

The board of nursing feels that the Nursing Practice Act does not specifically allow for the licen-

sure as a nurse of a corpsman. If such action is recommended through this study, it may be nec-

essary for the legislature to subsequently amend the Nurse Practice Act.

Senate Joint Memorial 7-- Page 2

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

The Board of Nursing must report its findings to the appropriate interim legislative committee by

November 1, 2005.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The $7.0-10.0 thousand requested would be taken from existing cash balances of the board of

nursing. The board of nursing indicates a task force of approximately 15 members to include

military and civilian physicians, hospital administrators, nursing home administrators, home

health agencies, schools of nursing and other appropriate parties would be convened to review

this issue and make recommendations. This will require additional resources for telephone,

postage, supplies and travel with an estimate of between 4 and 6 meetings. Based upon past ad-

visory committees experience it is estimated that per diem and travel costs will be between

$7,000 and $10,000. An expenditure of this amount could be made from this agency’s existing

fund balance.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

Based upon current staffing and workload the Board of Nursing states it may be difficult to meet

the November 1, 2005 deadline unless staff is reassigned from current activities.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

Senate Joint Memorial 7 suggests that military hospital corpsman provide services similar to ci-

vilian licensed practical nurses and emergency medical technicians. The memorial however does

not address a study of licensure of hospital corpsman as emergency medical technicians. The

Department of Health administers the Emergency Medical Services Act and licenses emergency

medical technicians. It may be worthwhile to have the Department of Health and the Board of

nursing jointly explore this option for military hospital corpsman.

WHAT WILL BE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT ENACTING THIS BILL.

The ability to expand the available labor pool for nurses and/or emergency room technicians may

be impacted.

EM/lg:yr