April 8, 1999

The Honorable Manny M. Aragon and

Members of the Senate

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable President and Members of the Senate:

I have this day VETOED and am returning SENATE CORPORATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL 424, as amended, enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation would require nursing facilities to employ a higher number of nursing department staff. Further it requires the Department of Health to adopt rules for minimum nursing staff by December 31, 1999. While staffing ratios are an important element in providing quality health care to individuals who are cared for by nursing facilities, these ratios are subject to changing variables and therefore, must be open to adaptation. Accordingly, the intent of this bill, while laudable, is better handled administratively.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor