New Mexico Medical Society

Legislative News Alert -- Last night, the House made a monumental move by passing SB 249 with a unanimous 65-0 vote! This pivotal legislation is set to transform Medicaid payments made by Turquoise Care to clinicians by requiring the portion meant to cover gross receipts tax be clearly identified. The bill now goes to the Governor's desk for her to sign. Thanks go to Senator Craig Brandt and Senator Mark Duncan from New Mexico physicians!

World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on March 24th of each year, it serves as a reminder of the global impact of tuberculosis (TB) and the ongoing efforts to control and eliminate it. New Mexico has a strong history to the disease. From the late 19th century to the 1940s, TB was a leading cause of death in the US, and New Mexico's high, dry climate became a haven for "health seekers" seeking a cure, with many sanatoriums established throughout the state, such as Los Lunas, Albuquerque and most notably, New Mexico Sanatorium in Fort Bayard. The upcoming CME presented by New Mexico Department of Health demonstrates how New Mexico continues to work towards TB prevention and treatment, as the fight against the disease is still very relevant. Join us on Thursday, March 20, 2025 to learn more and receive CME credit!

“We are exhausted and demoralized,” testified Dr. Gabrielle Adams, of Southwest Gastroenterology. “We have a target on our backs.” #NMHealthCrisis #PatientsInPeril #DoctorsLeaving https://1l.ink/MZJMXJN

Annie Jung, executive director of the NMMS, said "For whatever reason, it has not been prioritized — and that in itself is frustrating because it needs to be a priority. Fixing our health care needs to be a priority." #PatientsInPeril #NMHealthCrisis https://1l.ink/VLPKTJG

SB176 should be re-scheduled for Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee on Wednesday, 3/12. The committee ran out of time this evening. Thank you to the physicians who attended and waited on zoom to testify. Please be prepared to do the same on Wednesday!?? NMMS President Dr. Angelina Villas- Adams

SB176 Is Scheduled for today at 1:30PM in the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee If you can, please give testimony in support of SB176! You can attend in person or via Zoom. The committee is scheduled to start at 1:30PM, but the bill’s hearing time is uncertain—it could be heard right at 1:30PM, late in the evening, or even pushed to another day. We will do our best to update you on any changes to the schedule! Zoom Link: https://lnkd.in/gvQxA5sa Meeting ID: 812 8733 6647 Link to Legislative Agendas: https://lnkd.in/g6CZ_rE6 We know your time is valuable, but this one is worth it, and your voice wields significant influence!

Happy International Women's Day! We would like to give a special acknowledgement to Dr. Angelina Villas-Adams and all past NMMS woman presidents! Gastroenterologist, mother of three, and President of the New Mexico Medical Society, Dr. Villas-Adams is breaking barriers in medicine. From humble beginnings to being named a 2024 TopDoc, she’s dedicated to improving healthcare in New Mexico. As a leader in a field where women are underrepresented, she’s paving the way for future female physicians.

The doctor shortage in New Mexico is reaching a crisis point, and we need to take action NOW. NM State Senator Jim Townsend’s latest article highlights this harsh reality and the steps we must take to ensure our communities get the care they deserve. It's time for all of us to step up and demand change! Read the full article (linked below) and let’s make our voices heard! https://lnkd.in/gXrArCcm

Full support for the foresight and support of access to medical care and the physician workforce—

? Prior Authorization Delays = Longer Waits for Care ? House Bill 461 = Faster Treatment, Fewer Barriers Too many patients face unnecessary treatment delays due to prior authorization hurdles. HB 461 removes these roadblocks for trusted healthcare providers, ensuring timely access to essential care. ?? Urge NM legislators to support HB 461! ?? #FixPriorAuth #HealthcareAccess #PatientFirstNM #PatientsOverPaperwork ??https://1l.ink/VGQQBRJ