Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed crucial healthcare and Rural Hospitals bills into law during a significant ceremony held at Sierra Vista Hospital in Truth or Consequences on Friday, March 1, 2024. Governor Lujan Grisham emphasized the significance of these bills, stating, “These are measures that will greatly benefit a wide range of New Mexicans.”
Bills signed into law at the hospital include:
- Senate Bill 17, the Health Care Delivery and Access Act, supporting access to care in rural New Mexico by establishing a Medicaid Directed Payment Program.
- Senate Bill 161, Acute Care Facilities Subsidies, creates a temporary financial assistance grant program for independent rural hospitals until long-term support from SB 17 is enacted in early 2025.
- Senate Bill 14, Health Care Authority, finalizing the establishment of a single unified department responsible for health care purchasing, oversight, and policy.
- House Bill 7, the Healthcare Affordability Fund, reduces insurance costs for small businesses, employees, and low- to moderate-income individuals.
“The signing of this legislation brings immediate assistance to our community by helping us meet the needs of our residents and the thousands of New Mexicans who frequent Elephant Butte State Park and Lake annually,” said CEO Corcoran.
“Furthermore, the funds allocated through this legislation will stabilize our current operations and allow us to expand our much-needed behavioral health capacity, surgical services, and establish additional services.”
Working for Better Health Care: CEO Frank Corcoran & LJ Baker, Director of HR & External Relations
CEO Corcoran and the hospital’s head of Human Resources / External Relations LJ Baker deserve our thanks for the work they undertook in 2023-2024, visiting with legislators in Santa Fe and in Washington DC on behalf of rural hospitals and health initiatives.
