SENATE MEMORIAL 78

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Elizabeth “Liz” Stefanics

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE SUPERINTENDENT OF INSURANCE TO CONVENE A GROUP OF DIVERSE STAKEHOLDERS WITH EXPERTISE IN THE AREA OF HEALTH CARE DELIVERY, HEALTH COVERAGE AND HEALTH CARE ADVOCACY TO REVIEW THE PATIENT PROTECTION ACT AND TO RECOMMEND CHANGES AND ADDITIONS.

     WHEREAS, in 1998, New Mexico passed the groundbreaking Patient Protection Act, which provided, in statute, a broad range of rights for health care patients; and

     WHEREAS, since 1998, health care delivery has changed and evolved; and

     WHEREAS, since 1998, the health insurance market has changed and evolved; and

     WHEREAS, since 1998, the role of the federal government in health care in New Mexico has changed and evolved; and

     WHEREAS, since 1998, individual patients have come forward with concerns about the treatment received in facilities; and

     WHEREAS, since 1998, there have been many pieces of legislation that have sought to address the changing face of health care in New Mexico;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the office of superintendent of insurance be requested to convene a group of diverse stakeholders with expertise in the area of health care delivery, health coverage and health care advocacy to conduct a health care quality and case study that:

          A. reviews the Patient Protection Act and other patient protection legislation;

          B. identifies gaps in patient protections; and

          C. identifies legislation that could help fill the gaps in patient protection; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the superintendent of insurance be requested to report results of the health care quality and cost study to the legislative health and human services committee by October 1, 2019; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the chair and vice chair of the legislative health and human services committee, the secretary of human services, the secretary of health, the superintendent of insurance and the executive director of the New Mexico health insurance exchange.

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