Meet & Greet: Kickoff to the Carrie Tingley Conference with Troy Clark and Fred Nathan Meeting Recap

Quick recap

The meeting focused on the recent legislative success of medical malpractice reform in New Mexico, where House Bill 99 passed with significant reforms including raising the burden of proof for punitive damages and limiting their caps. Fred Nathan from Think New Mexico and Troy Clark, Head of the NM Hospital Association, detailed how grassroots efforts, media pressure, and bipartisan support helped overcome opposition from trial lawyers. The discussion covered how the bill evolved through multiple committees and amendments, with key votes in both the House (66-3) and Senate (25-17) that removed problematic amendments. The reforms aim to reduce medical liability costs and improve physician recruitment, with additional measures passed including increased residency funding, a preceptor tax credit, and expanded Medicaid coverage. While some reforms were not fully achieved, such as capping attorney fees and eliminating venue shopping, the participants expressed optimism that these could be addressed in future sessions.

Healthcare Reform and Workforce Solutions

The meeting focused on the successful passage of healthcare-related legislation, which was achieved without the need for a special session that many had anticipated. Fred discussed the role of Think New Mexico, a non-partisan think tank, in advocating for healthcare reforms, including medical liability reform, and highlighted the state's healthcare worker shortage. The group also discussed the potential for consolidating medical practices to increase efficiency and attract more doctors to the state.

New Mexico Physician Shortage Solutions

Fred Nathan of New Mexico think tank, presented a report highlighting the state's critical physician shortage and proposed solutions. He emphasized that New Mexico is the only state to have lost doctors over the past five years, with 32 of 33 counties designated as health shortage areas. The report's key recommendations included reforming the medical malpractice system, addressing the gross receipts tax burden on providers, and increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates. Fred noted that several of these recommendations, such as medical malpractice reform, are already being implemented and will take effect on May 20th.

Medical Malpractice Reform Bill Passage

Fred also discussed the passage of House Bill 99, which included several medical malpractice reforms. The bill raised the burden of proof to clear and convincing evidence, banned punitive damages in most cases, ended the stacking of multiple lawsuits, required truth in damages, and prohibited routine pleading of punitive damages. While the bill did not include attorney fee caps or venue shopping restrictions, these issues will be addressed in separate bills. The reforms were successful due to media attention, legislative engagement, and support from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. The bill is expected to reduce medical malpractice lawsuits and lower malpractice insurance premiums, which will help retain and attract doctors to New Mexico.

New Mexico Healthcare Funding Challenges

Troy Clark discussed the state of healthcare in New Mexico, highlighting the need for increased funding for Medicaid and medical malpractice reforms. He praised Senator Munoz for securing $511 million last year and expressed disappointment in not obtaining the full $2 billion requested this year. Troy emphasized the importance of passing the remaining healthcare compacts in a special session and mentioned a new $10,000 physician tax credit. He also proposed creating a centralized credentialing system for doctors and promoting healthcare as a career path in high schools.

Healthcare Access and Reform Challenges

Troy Clark, a healthcare leader with 23 years of experience in running hospitals and clinics, shared insights into the challenges and successes of healthcare access in New Mexico. He highlighted the importance of medical malpractice reform, emphasizing the need to balance ideal legislation with what can realistically be achieved. Troy discussed the complexities of negotiations and the role of grassroots efforts and media in influencing legislative outcomes. He also addressed the need for further improvements in the state's healthcare environment, including increased residency slots and preceptor tax credits, while expressing caution about practicing medicine in New Mexico due to ongoing legal challenges.