LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KRQE) – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is taking action on one of New Mexico’s biggest problems: healthcare. On Friday, she signed a series of medical bills into law aimed at improving access across the state.
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The governor, along with several lawmakers, celebrated bipartisan healthcare bills making it to the finish line. Four bills have been signed into law, all meant to tackle issues within New Mexico’s healthcare system. “New Mexico is 5,000 doctors short, and that’s before we deal with 7,000, it depends on the number, 9,000 nurses short, and a number of other healthcare practitioners,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham.
Taking the spotlight is HB 99, the medical malpractice reform bill, which will put a cap on punitive damages providers can be required to pay out in malpractice lawsuits: $1 million for independent providers and $6 million for locally owned hospitals. “This is a reasonable compromise that brings our laws more in line with what other states do, and it assures our doctors that they are valued, and it will also bring providers here, I truly believe that,” said Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos)…