Public Health New Mexico

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Monday in a case to address whether or not people can be punished for living in encampments. The outcome could affect a similar case that has made it up to New Mexico’s Supreme Court.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Wednesday that she is calling a special session to pass more public safety legislation.

A new, one-of-a-kind law took effect in New Mexico two years ago that did away with behavioral health co-pays for people in certain insurance plans. A new study on the law says results so far are mixed.

A board that advises Bernalillo County programs on addiction treatment and harm reduction is looking for four new members. The 15-seat board includes medical providers and addiction specialists.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case Monday that would put medical abortion out of reach for many.Providers in New Mexico who have had to adapt to a growing number of out-of-state patients are watching the case closely.

New Mexico has two new gun laws on the books coming out of the legislative session. One creates a 7-day waiting period for firearms purchases.Its success may rely on existing laws and others that may or may not come to pass.

A state fund for keeping members of the birthing workforce in their jobs is open for applications. The goal is to ensure there are enough practitioners to serve the state, which has struggled to provide accessible care.

New Mexico’s state government is taking part in a program for the next two years to improve housing and health policy, and a wide range of state agencies will participate.

State employees can look forward to a raise this year. All state employees are slated to see at least a 3% bump, with some, like the State Police, getting more.

Hospitals have to be transparent about their prices by posting them online. That’s because of a Hospital Price Transparency Rule that went into effect a few years back. In New Mexico, fewer than half of hospitals are following that rule.