NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Office of Indian Affairs

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 24 appropriates one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) to the Office of Indian Affairs from the general fund to contract services to provide culturally competent care and case management for Native Americans with the human immunodeficiency virus.

Significant Issues

According to the Office of Indian Affairs the services to be provided would address traditional Native American healing methods. Native American communities do not have access to these or related types of programs and are desperately needed in Native American communities throughout the State of New Mexico.

Native Americans with the human immunodeficiency virus are an under-served population whose health status will continue to decline if not addressed.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The administrative impact to the Office of Indian Affairs would be minimal.

DUPLICATION

Senate Bill 96 duplicates this bill.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. Is the Department of Health presently providing services to victims of aids on pueblos or reservations? If so, are Native American traditional healing methods being addressed?

2. Are trained and culturally sensitive providers available to serve Native American populations with aids?

3. How many cases of aids could be addressed with the appropriation set forth in this bill?

LMK/njw