MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CLAIM CHANGES

HB 107 limits damages in medical malpractice claims in New Mexico. It sets a $600,000 cap on recoverable damages (excluding medical costs and punitive damages) for most claims and a $750,000 cap for claims against "independent providers" (like solo practitioners), with annual adjustments based on inflation starting in 2023. The bill also restricts punitive damages, limits attorney fees, and requires payments from the Patient's Compensation Fund to be made as expenses occur. These changes directly affect patients filing malpractice claims, health care providers (especially independent practitioners), and insurers.