HB 306 prohibits hospitals from charging patients facility fees for preventive care, vaccinations, and telehealth services starting January 1, 2027. It exempts critical access hospitals, rural sole community hospitals, and emergency department services (both hospital-based and freestanding). The bill requires hospitals to notify patients about potential facility fees before appointments and during care, display bilingual signage, and provide itemized bills showing these charges. Hospitals must also report facility fee data to the state's All-Payer Claims Database for transparency and analysis.
HB 11 creates the "Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact" to allow licensed professionals in these fields to practice across participating states without obtaining new licenses. The bill directly affects audiologists and speech-language pathologists who wish to serve patients in other member states, as well as patients seeking these services. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses, requirements for criminal background checks during application, and provisions enabling telehealth services to improve access. The compact preserves each state’s regulatory authority while streamlining cross-state practice, particularly benefiting military families and remote patients. (Note: The bill passed the House but was replaced by a committee substitute; this summary reflects the original bill’s intended purpose.)
HB 127 requires the New Mexico Medical Board to grant expedited licenses to physicians already licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or foreign countries who meet all other licensing criteria. It also mandates the creation of a public registry for out-of-state telehealth providers, requiring them to maintain active licenses elsewhere, carry professional liability insurance, and avoid physical offices or in-state patient interactions in New Mexico. The bill directly affects out-of-state physicians seeking to practice medicine or provide telehealth services in New Mexico, and imposes new administrative duties on the Medical Board. Key provisions include standardized application requirements for the registry, public disclosure of provider details, and mandatory reporting of disciplinary actions against their out-of-state licenses. The bill repeals an outdated section of existing law to implement these changes.
HB 32 creates the Counseling Licensure Compact, allowing licensed professional counselors in participating states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses. It directly affects licensed counselors and their clients in member states, enabling them to provide in-person or telehealth counseling services where the client is located. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses, sharing of disciplinary records between states, and requiring counselors to follow the practice laws of the state where the client is located. The compact also specifically supports military spouses relocating with active-duty service members. This bill does not change existing state licensure requirements but streamlines interstate practice for qualified counselors.
HB 13 creates the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, allowing occupational therapists and assistants licensed in one participating state to practice in other member states without obtaining a new license. It directly affects licensed therapists seeking to work across state lines, patients accessing services in different states, and military spouses relocating with their partners. Key mechanisms include establishing "compact privilege" for interstate practice, requiring states to share disciplinary and investigative information through a national data system, and supporting telehealth delivery of services. The bill aims to improve access to occupational therapy while maintaining each state's authority to protect public health and safety through existing licensure standards.
