March 17, 1999

The Honorable Raymond G. Sanchez and

Members of the House of Representatives

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable Speaker and Members of the House:

I have this day VETOED and am returning HOUSE BILL 237, as amended with certificate enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation enacts the Conscientious Health Care Employee Protection Act which prohibits employers from retaliating against health care professionals who disclose an "improper quality of patient care" or who objects to unlawful or improper patient care activities. Adequate "whistleblower" protections already exist in law. Therefore, this bill is not necessary.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor