NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.



Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.





F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T





SPONSOR: Garcia, M.H. DATE TYPED: 02/15/01 HB 388
SHORT TITLE: NMSU Dental Auxiliary Career Ladder

Program

SB
ANALYST: Fernandez



APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02 FY01 FY02
$ 156.5 Recurring G/F



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



Relates to SB149



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



Commission on Higher Education (CHE)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



House Bill 388 appropriates $156.5 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University to support the dental auxiliary career ladder education program at the Dona Ana Branch.



Significant Issues



In 1997, as a response to the dental health professional community, the CHE formed a task force to address concerns for additional oral health personnel in New Mexico and the need for a career ladder model for dental education.



Since 1997, two-year institutions throughout the state have undertaken coordinated curriculum planning and infrastructure development to support dental assisting and dental hygiene training programs. CHE notes that dental education programs generate funding through the higher education funding formula.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



The appropriation of $156.5 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2002 shall revert to the general fund.



The appropriation in FY01 for this program is $50.0. It should be noted, the Dona Ana Branch did not request continuation funding for the dental hygiene program in FY02.



CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP



Relates to SB149 which appropriates $456.5 to various institutions to support dental auxiliary career ladder education. Of the $456.5, $156.5 is appropriated to the Board of Regents at NMSU for the dental auxiliary program. SB149 is supported by the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee.



OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES



The following is provided for information only, it is not intended as a commentary on the merits of the program.



According to CHE, this project was not submitted by NMSU Board of Regents to CHE for funding consideration.



CTF/njw