HOUSE BILL 484

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2006

INTRODUCED BY

Danice Picraux

FOR THE LEGISLATIVE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

AN ACT

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR NURSING LEADERSHIP AND NURSE RETENTION PROGRAMS IN NEW MEXICO.

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

     Section 1. APPROPRIATION.--

          A. Six hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($625,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the department of health for expenditure in fiscal year 2007 as follows:

                (1) one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000) to contract with a statewide organization representing hospitals and health systems to develop an on-line reporting system of demographic information and quality measures and to develop guidelines for nurse staffing ratios; and

                (2) five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) to contract with a statewide nonprofit organization to expand the nursing workforce in New Mexico, to continue development of a clinical teaching institute and to enhance and support clinical education, professional development and retention of nurses.

          B. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2007 shall revert to the general fund.

- 2 -