“Today’s passage of HB 99, Medical Malpractice Changes, in the New Mexico House of Representatives marks an important step toward stabilizing our state’s healthcare system and protecting access to care for all New Mexicans. On behalf of our 48 community hospital members, the New Mexico Hospital Association appreciates the House’s bipartisan 66-3 action to move this bill forward. We also applaud the leadership of the bill’s sponsor, Representative Christine Chandler, and cosponsor Representative Gail Armstrong, in bringing forth and championing this important legislation.
Across New Mexico, mounting liability pressures are impeding the recruitment and retention of physicians, ultimately threatening essential services and the ability for those services to be offered close to home. Without meaningful reform, these pressures will continue to limit access, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
HB 99 represents a practical effort to bring greater balance to New Mexico’s medical liability framework while preserving protections for patients and ensuring ongoing accountability. This legislation is critical for all New Mexicans needing to see a doctor, deliver a baby, or receive emergency care when and where they need it.
With the House’s work complete, timely action in the Senate is critical – and time is short. We encourage our Senators to move swiftly to advance HB 99 and protect the future of healthcare for patients and providers across our state to ensure timely access now and for generations of New Mexicans to come.”
