SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

SENATE BILL 600

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007

AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH; ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO DESIGN CULTURAL COMPETENCE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS IN CERTAIN HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. TEMPORARY PROVISION--HEALTH EDUCATION CULTURAL COMPETENCE TASK FORCE--HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT--APPOINTMENT--DUTIES--REPORT.--

          A. The secretary of higher education shall appoint a task force on cultural competence composed of health curricula specialists from two- and four-year public post-secondary educational institutions; health professionals; and representatives of the New Mexico health policy commission, the department of health, the Indian affairs department and the office on African American affairs. Members shall be appointed with due regard for geographic distribution and cultural and health-professional diversity.

          B. The task force shall study and make recommendations on specific cultural competence curricula for each health-related education field offered in New Mexico's public post-secondary educational institutions. The curricula shall ensure that students are provided knowledge of cultural awareness and competence in their respective health service field, including:

                (1) cross-cultural communication;

                (2) culturally and linguistically appropriate health policy considerations;

                (3) exploration of health beliefs and explanatory models;

                (4) culturally competent health care delivery;

                (5) health disparities, privilege and equity factors in the health system; and

                (6) culturally and linguistically competent care supported by policy, administration and practice.

          C. The curricula developed by the task force shall be designed to be offered electronically and through various distance-education models and media so as to minimize duplication and expense for students and educational institutions.

          D. The task force shall review its findings and recommendations with the legislative health and human services committee by November 2007. The task force shall make its final report to the governor, the legislature and the presidents of the public post-secondary educational institutions by December 15, 2007.

- 3 -