April 6, 2001

SENATE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO. 85

The Honorable Richard Romero and

Members of the Senate

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable President and Members of the Senate:

I have this day VETOED and am returning SENATE PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL 156, as amended, with certificate of correction enacted by the Forty-Fifth Legislature, First Session, 2001.

This bill would create in statute criteria to be used in determining “medical necessity” with respect to decisions about authorizing health care services. The term “medical necessity” is at the heart of Salud! Medicaid Managed Care in that it relates directly to when and what type of health care is provided depending on the specific situation. This is yet another attempt to hamper Human Service Department’s operation of Salud! Medicaid Managed Care by limiting their ability to make decisions on a daily basis which allow them to provide the most cost effective and high level of service to their clients.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor

RECEIVED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR:

Time: _____________________ By:_____________________________

Secretary of State

Date ______________________

Time:______________________

Date_______________________ By:_____________________________

Chief Clerk of the Senate

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