SENATE MEMORIAL 11

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2024

INTRODUCED BY

Gerald Ortiz y Pino

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO IDENTIFY AND RECOMMEND STRATEGIES FOR PROVIDING FREE TUITION TO STUDENTS IN GRADUATE-LEVEL PSYCHIATRIC NURSING, PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIAL WORK AND COUNSELING PROGRAMS; REQUESTING THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO IDENTIFY AND RECOMMEND STRATEGIES FOR EXPANDING TWO-YEAR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT BRANCH AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES.

 

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is experiencing a statewide shortage

of behavioral health care providers; and

     WHEREAS, the demand for behavioral health care has

significantly increased in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico residents seeking behavioral health

care struggle to find providers with availability and face long

wait times and limited service options; and

     WHEREAS, expanding educational opportunities for students studying to become behavioral health care providers can help to address New Mexico's behavioral health care provider shortage;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the higher education department be requested to conduct a study to identify and recommend strategies for providing free tuition to students in graduate-level psychiatric nursing, psychology, social work and counseling programs; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the higher education department be requested to conduct a study to identify and recommend strategies for expanding two-year behavioral health education programs at branch and community colleges; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that by July 15, 2024, the higher education department report its findings and recommendations from both studies to the legislative health and human services committee; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of higher education and the legislative health and human services committee.

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