Rep. Liz Thomson

Maddy summaryHB 79, the "Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact," would allow licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists to practice across state lines in participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It creates a "compact privilege" enabling practitioners to serve patients in other member states while maintaining their home state license, directly affecting healthcare providers and patients seeking these services. Key mechanisms include mutual recognition of licenses, enhanced oversight for disciplinary actions, support for military spouses relocating, and integration of telehealth for remote care. The bill preserves each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public safety through existing licensing systems. It does not change current state licensure requirements but streamlines access for providers and patients in participating states.

Maddy summaryHB 441 establishes the "Dentist and Dental Hygienist Interstate Compact" to allow licensed dentists and dental hygienists from New Mexico (a participating state) to practice in other participating states without obtaining full new licenses. It creates a "compact privilege" that requires practitioners to follow the host state's scope of practice rules and share disciplinary records, while letting states maintain their own licensing standards. The bill aims to improve access to dental care, especially for military families needing to relocate, by reducing duplicate licensing hurdles. This compact does not change existing state licensure requirements but enables streamlined practice across participating states.

Maddy summaryHB 412, the Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact, allows licensed emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and related personnel to practice across state lines in participating states without obtaining separate licenses. It directly affects EMS professionals who work in multiple states and patients receiving emergency care in those states. The bill establishes a system where a "home state" license is recognized as valid in "remote states" (other member states), requiring states to share adverse action information and maintain standardized licensing practices. Key mechanisms include mutual recognition of licenses, shared complaint investigations, and protocols for handling disciplinary actions to ensure public safety while improving access to emergency care.

Maddy summaryHB 552, the Medical Corporation Accountability Act, requires hospitals receiving local or state funding to disclose their ownership structures - including whether private equity or hedge funds own them - as well as health care provider salary ranges and CEO compensation. The Health Care Authority must then compile and report this information to the legislature annually starting in 2026. The bill also prohibits private equity funds and hedge funds from interfering with health care providers' professional decisions, such as treatment choices, staffing, or billing practices. This legislation aims to increase transparency around hospital ownership and protect clinical judgment from corporate influence.

Maddy summaryHB 180 creates a new "Speech-Language Pathology Assistant" license to replace the current "Apprentice" license. It repeals outdated sections of law (61-14B-3.1 and 61-14B-15.1) that governed the old apprentice system. The bill defines supervision requirements, including "direct contact" for assistants working under licensed speech-language pathologists. This change clarifies the role for assistants while maintaining patient safety through defined supervision standards.

Maddy summaryHB 76 would require hospitals to offer additional heart defect tests - echocardiograms and electrocardiograms - for newborns at higher risk of congenital heart disease, specifically those with a family history of heart issues or parents reporting certain symptoms (like unexplained fainting during exercise or sudden chest pain). It directly affects newborns with these risk factors and the hospitals providing their care. The bill expands existing newborn screening by adding these tests to the required protocols when specific family history criteria are met, without changing the current pulse oximetry requirement for all infants. The policy change focuses on early detection for higher-risk cases, using plain language to define the trigger conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 80 amends New Mexico's Personal Insurance Credit Information Act to prohibit insurers from using credit scores or credit information to set rates, deny coverage, or renew policies for personal insurance (like auto, home, or motorcycle insurance). It specifically bans considering factors such as race, gender, occupation, or education in credit-based scoring and requires insurers to update credit information every 36 months. Insurers cannot deny coverage based solely on credit history without evaluating other underwriting factors permitted by law. This directly affects all insurance companies operating in New Mexico for personal insurance policies.

Maddy summaryHB 40, titled the "Traveling with Dignity Act," requires all state-funded facilities serving 2,500+ annual visitors - including public buildings and large commercial venues like theaters or convention centers - to install at least one gender-neutral, accessible universal adult changing station in single-occupancy restrooms. Covered facilities must comply by July 1, 2032, with earlier deadlines for renovations costing over $50,000 or new constructions receiving state funding. The bill defines these stations as height-adjustable, adult-sized changing tables available to all genders. Currently pending after being postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, the law aims to improve accessibility for people with disabilities or caregiving needs during public outings.

Maddy summaryHB 74 creates a legal framework for fire and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies in New Mexico to establish confidential peer support programs for their employees and volunteers. The bill requires peer support team members to complete state-approved training covering issues like trauma, substance use, and grief, and mandates that all communications during support sessions remain confidential - except in limited cases involving imminent danger or court orders. It also provides limited liability protection for peer support providers and their agencies, shielding them from most lawsuits related to their support services. This directly affects firefighters, EMS personnel, and volunteers who face high-stress emergencies, offering them a structured, confidential resource to address behavioral health challenges.

Maddy summaryHB 72 would require New Mexico hospitals to maintain minimum nurse-to-patient ratios based on hospital unit types (like critical care, emergency departments, and labor units). It creates a staffing advisory committee with balanced representation from hospital administrators, direct-care nurses, and labor organizations to help set these ratios. Hospitals would need to develop written policies for staffing, training, and competency evaluations for both licensed and unlicensed staff. The bill mandates the Health Care Authority to establish specific numerical ratios by July 2026, with potential rural hospital adjustments, while requiring hospitals to meet these minimums for patient safety.