NM HB277

Creates a nine-member Scope of Practice Advisory Committee attached to the Department of Health to evaluate proposed changes to health care profession scopes of practice in New Mexico

Committee membership includes four governor appointees (two physicians, one UNM Health Sciences faculty member, one patient rights attorney), four legislative council appointees (two health care professionals, two consumer advocates), and the Secretary of Health

Licensing boards or legislators may submit scope of practice change requests; the committee must hold public hearings within 60 days and evaluate proposals based on patient safety, education requirements, health care access, costs, and workforce needs

Committee votes to endorse, modify, or reject proposals and must issue public reports within 30 days including member opinions and individual votes

Appropriates $200,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to implement the act, with unexpended funds reverting to the general fund