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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Joint Memorial 11 requests the Primary Care Bureau of the Department of Health establish a task force to develop operational aspects of an essential community health care provider designation in order to improve the continuing access to health care in rural and under-served areas of New Mexico. The memorial further requests the task force consider various eligibility criteria including the designation of primary health care professionals as essential community health care provider in order to promote the most efficient and cost-effective means of maintaining a stable delivery system. The memorial further requests detailed examinations of other dynamics and avenues of providing a stable labor force in health care settings in rural areas, and requests coordination with the Health Policy Commission and other planning bodies.

Significant Issues

In-depth analysis of the various aspects of maintaining a quality health care system in rural areas of New Mexico is absolutely essential if we are to maintain the rural quality of our state for future generations.

MB/njw