NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A bill aimed at lowering the cap for medical malpractice failed to move through the Roundhouse. In 2020, lawmakers raised the state’s medical malpractice cap to $5 million for hospitals, and $750,000 for doctors. Some believe the high caps led to such high insurance rates that doctors left New Mexico in droves.
Senate Bill 176 aimed to lower those caps in an effort to keep doctors in the state. In the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee, people debated the issue with supporters noting the diverse and broad support of the 23 sponsors. “Even with a balanced bill, it’s still hard for us to protect our doctors. I think we’ll feel this for years to come,” said Sen. David Gallegos (R-Eddy & Lea Counties).
“I agree that we need to ensure that we are recruiting and retaining medical professionals…But I just do not agree with the way the bill is written and I want to ensure the voices of patients are at the table when these things are being crafted,” said Sen. Cindy Nava (D-Bernalillo & Sandoval Counties.)
The bill failed in a 5-4 vote.
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