HOUSE MEMORIAL 48

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Patricia A. Lundstrom

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HOSPITALS CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY AND DEVELOP A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH OTHER HEALTH PROVIDERS TO CREATE A LIVER TRANSPLANTATION INSTITUTE IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, there are one hundred thirty-seven liver transplantation programs in the nation; and

     WHEREAS, eighty percent of programs perform fewer than sixty liver transplantations per year; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is one of only twelve states in the nation that does not have an active liver transplantation program, and in region five of the united network for organ sharing there are active programs only in California and Arizona; and

     WHEREAS, current New Mexico residents requiring liver transplantation are required to leave the state for this life-saving service; and

     WHEREAS, there are currently one hundred sixty-five state residents listed in other states for liver transplantations and one hundred fifty-three livers were exported from New Mexico to other states in the last four years; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has the opportunity to position itself as a leader in liver transplantation services both in the state and the region, reducing waiting time and increasing the likelihood of other organ transplantations; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico stands to develop a new program based best practices that allows both vertical and horizontal differentiation from other programs in the region; and

     WHEREAS, a New Mexico liver transplantation institute could develop national recognition and become a model for a multi-organ transplant program;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health and university of New Mexico hospitals be requested to conduct a feasibility study and develop a memorandum of understanding with other health providers in the state to determine steps necessary to create a liver transplantation institute in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study create plans that can be set into action to maximize the use of possible funds that the federal government may make available; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the feasibility study and memorandum of understanding, when complete, be presented to the appropriate interim legislative committees by October 31, 2013 and that a copy of the study be submitted to the library of the legislative council service; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of health, the executive medical director of university of New Mexico hospitals and the governor.

- 3 -