Bill > HB370

This bill establishes new requirements for hospital credentialing of medical professionals that aim to prevent discriminatory practices. The legislation mandates that hospitals receiving local, state, or federal funds cannot deny medical staff membership or clinical privileges except based on an individual physician's qualifications, which must be evaluated using uniform, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory standards. The bill specifically prohibits hospitals from considering factors such as professional society membership, advertising practices, fee structures, participation in group health plans, support for specific practice groups, malpractice testimony, patient referral patterns, work at other facilities, and economic criteria unrelated to professional competence or care quality. When evaluating applicants, hospitals are encouraged to include evaluators from the applicant's own profession, ensuring a fair and objective assessment. Importantly, the law does not apply to publicly owned hospitals or facilities owned by the University of New Mexico health system. The goal is to prevent anti-competitive practices and ensure that credentialing decisions are based solely on a healthcare professional's individual qualifications and ability to provide quality care.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=370&year=25