SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 7

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

Timothy M. Keller and Elizabeth "Liz" Thomson

FOR THE LEGISLATIVE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 5 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEW MEXICO TO CREATE AN INDEPENDENT HEALTH CARE COST AND QUALITY TRANSPARENCY COMMISSION CHARGED WITH MAKING HEALTH CARE COSTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL AND QUALITY DATA AVAILABLE FOR USE BY CONSUMERS, TAXPAYERS AND POLICYMAKERS.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. It is proposed to amend Article 5 of the constitution of New Mexico by adding a new section to read:

     "The "health care cost and quality transparency commission" is created to serve as the sole entity responsible for promulgating and enforcing standards and regulations to ensure transparency of health care costs and other financial and quality data for use by consumers, taxpayers and policymakers. The commission shall have the power to compel compliance with its standards and regulations and shall have such other necessary powers and duties as provided by law. The commission shall consist of such number of members and shall have such qualifications as provided by law. Commission members shall be appointed by the executive and legislative branches and serve staggered terms as provided by law."

     SECTION 2. The amendment proposed by this resolution shall be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election or at any special election prior to that date that may be called for that purpose.

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