BY FRED NATHAN
Founder and Executive Director
Think New Mexico

New Mexico has the second highest rate of medical malpractice lawsuits in the nation, and medical malpractice insurance premiums in New Mexico are about twice as high as they are in other states in our region. The high cost of malpractice insurance is a major reason why doctors are retiring early or leaving the state.

Senate Bill 176, Think New Mexico’s legislation to shift New Mexico’s medical malpractice system from a lawyer-centered system to a patient-centered system, is scheduled for its first hearing in the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee on Monday.

As we head into this crucial hearing, it is the perfect time to email your legislators and encourage them to support Senate Bill 176!

Although this bill has picked up 22 bipartisan sponsors (11 Democrats and 11 Republicans), it has also has drawn powerful opposition: Searchlight New Mexico recently profiled the dark money group that is working behind the scenes to kill the bill.

You can read more about the reforms in Senate Bill 176 in our guest editorial in today’s Santa Fe New Mexican.

Thank you for contacting your elected officials and urging them to support Senate Bill 176!