The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
NMHD News:
SANTA FE — Friday, a bill making necessary changes to ensure that health care providers keep their doors open passed the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support.
Sponsored by Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), House Bill 11 modifies the Medical Malpractice Act passed in the last legislative session. Reflecting an agreement between doctors, patients, insurance companies, and hospitals, House Bill 11 clarifies the original agreement’s language so that independent providers can continue providing the care New Mexicans deserve.
Under HB 11’s modifications, the definition of an independent health care provider is clarified, so they’re not considered an agent of a hospital.
“House Bill 11 continues the historic agreement that patients, doctors, hospitals, and providers came together to ensure that patients are protected when harm is done, while also allowing doctors to practice medicine in a business environment that allows for certainty and stability,” Hochman-Vigil said. “These agreed-upon changes give providers what they need to maintain their insurance and to continue serving our communities.”
Without House Bill 11 addressing this outstanding need, many independent providers would be unable to maintain their insurance policies, possibly forcing clinics to shut their doors and leaving New Mexicans without the health care they deserve.
In addition to the definition clarification, House Bill 11 also applies a $750,000 cap on damages sought through the Medical Malpractice Act for outpatient health care facilities from Jan. 1, 2022 to July 2024.
House Bill 11, with an emergency clause, passed the House in a bipartisan 63-2 vote. It now goes to the Senate for consideration, and if passed and signed by the Governor, would go into effect immediately.
The Roundhouse is open to the public for this special session, and proof of full COVID-19 vaccination will be required to enter the building. Virtual public participation also is available. Members of the public can view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.
