SENATE BILL 210

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Nancy Rodriguez

AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH; CREATING THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON WOMEN'S HEALTH; PROVIDING THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON WOMEN'S HEALTH.

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

     Section 1. A new section of Chapter 28, Article 3 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON WOMEN'S HEALTH CREATED.--

          A. The "office of the governor's council on women's health" is created and is administratively attached to the commission on the status of women.

          B. The office of the governor's council on women's health shall:

                (1) serve as a clearinghouse for education and information on women's health;

                (2) recommend performance measures and outcomes specific to women's health;

                (3) report annually by September 1 to the governor on women's health policy issues;

                (4) assist in developing policy to improve women's health and well-being, including policies that explain and explore the links between women's health and economic security; and

                (5) assist state agencies, including the department of health, to improve access to health care for women.

          C. The governor shall appoint the director of the office of the governor's council on women's health, who shall serve at the pleasure of the governor.

          D. The governor shall appoint advisors to the office of the governor's council on women's health as follows:

                (1) one representative from each of the following:

                     (a) the commission on the status of women;

                     (b) the department of health;

                     (c) the New Mexico health policy commission;

                     (d) the children, youth and families department;

                     (e) the human services department;

                     (f) the Indian affairs department;

                     (g) the veterans' services department; and

                     (h) the office on African American affairs;

                (2) one representative of providers of women's health services;

                (3) two representatives from rural counties; and

                (4) four representatives of advocacy, community or consumer groups.

          E. Advisors to the office of the governor's council on women's health shall serve at the pleasure of the governor, shall meet at least four times per year and shall serve for two-year terms.

          F. For purposes of conducting business, a majority of the advisors to the office of the governor's council on women's health shall constitute a quorum.

          G. The advisors to the office of the governor's council on women's health may organize statewide meetings and focus groups to involve members of the public further in improving women's health and to identify emerging issues around women's health care delivery and services."