New Mexico Rural and Community Healthcare Access Act

The State of New Mexico shall establish a targeted grant and workforce support program within the Department of Health to expand access to primary care, behavioral health, and maternal health services in rural and underserved communities, including tribal and frontier areas. Subject to appropriation, funds shall be used to support community clinics, mobile health units, telehealth infrastructure, and partnerships with local providers, and to provide loan repayment, hiring incentives, and residency or training support for physicians, nurses, behavioral health professionals, and community health workers who commit to service in shortage areas. The department shall prioritize counties with documented provider shortages and annually report to the legislature on service expansion, workforce recruitment, and patient access outcomes.