Bill > HB277

This bill establishes the "Scope of Practice Act" and creates a nine-member Scope of Practice Advisory Committee, administratively attached to the Department of Health, to review and evaluate proposed changes to the scope of practice for various health care professions. The committee will consist of members appointed by the governor, including physicians, a university faculty member with expertise in evidence review, and an attorney experienced in health care law, as well as members appointed by the legislative council, including licensed health care professionals and consumer advocates who are not affiliated with licensing boards or professional associations seeking scope of practice expansions, and the Secretary of Health or their designee. Any licensing board or legislator can submit a written request to the committee to review a proposed scope of practice change, which must include a clear description, evidence-based support, and anticipated impacts on patient safety, access, and costs. The committee will then hold a public hearing to evaluate the proposal based on factors such as patient safety, workforce competency, supervision needs, access to care, costs, workforce development, regulatory consistency, and national standards, before voting to endorse, modify, or reject the change and issuing a detailed report of its decision. The bill also appropriates $200,000 from the general fund to the Department of Health for fiscal year 2027 to support the committee's operations.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=277&year=26