Santa Fe, NM - Today, the New Mexico State Senate passed House Bill 99, sending the legislation to the Governor's desk for signature and marking a major victory for patients, healthcare providers, and communities across the state. The bill is the result of relentless advocacy from providers and state lawmakers to address one of the most significant barriers to healthcare access in New Mexico: our state's medical malpractice environment.
This vital legislation:
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Helps recruit and retain doctors by creating a more predictable legal environment
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Limits punitive damages in malpractice cases to provide fairness and stability
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Supports rural hospitals and independent providers struggling with insurance costs
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Encourages specialists to practice in underserved communities
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Prevents punitive damages from being included in lawsuits until evidence justifies it
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Protects patient access while maintaining accountability
In response to the passage of HB 99, the New Mexico Senate Republican Caucus has issued the following statement:
"Today, New Mexico finally heeded our advice to put the needs of patients and our healthcare providers above the greedy desires of trial attorneys who have taken advantage of a previously broken system for their own financial benefit. This legislation ensures a fairer environment for medical providers to practice in New Mexico while maintaining accountability for patients who may have experienced negligent care. This successful restoration of balance and common sense demonstrates the impact that our collective voices have on public policy moving forward. We thank the Governor and her staff for joining us in advocating for this important reform… we've proven we can work together towards true progress on our state's most pressing issues!"
