HOUSE DEMOCRATS NEWS

Legislation bringing needed reforms to New Mexico’s medical school licensure passed the House Education Committee today with bipartisan support and will now head to the House floor.  

Sponsored by House Democratic Majority Whip, Rep. Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces), House Bill 23 establishes standards for out-of-state medical schools that encourage these institutions to partner with New Mexico schools and hospitals. It also prevents out-of-state schools from cannibalizing residencies intended for New Mexico medical school graduates.  

“House Bill 23 protects the New Mexico hospitals and health care facilities which provide residency programs from becoming overwhelmed and incapable of meeting the demand for their residency slots,” said Whip Gallegos. “This bill will ultimately ensure the sustainable development and expansion of high-quality residency programs in the state, and help us keep talented med school graduates right here in New Mexico.” 

HB 23 passed the House Education Committee with a 13-1 vote, and will be heard next on the House floor.  

House Bill 23 is endorsed by the Interim Health and Human Services Committee, Interim Indian Affairs Committee, New Mexico Hospital Association, New Mexico Medical Society, and Lovelace Healthcare. Similar legislation is already in effect in many other states, because without it, an imbalance in available positions often occurs, which then forces talented med school graduates to leave their states in search of residencies elsewhere.  

Members of the public can track legislation on the New Mexico Legislature website, access committee meetings and House floor sessions via the Webcasts tab, or participate by Zoom to provide public comment on committee hearings. During the 2021 Legislative Session, the House of Representatives is focused on passing critical legislation while protecting the health and safety of the public, the staff, and the legislators.