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HB 15

MEDICAL INJURY COLLABORATIVE RESOLUTION ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marianna Anaya and 1 co-sponsor

New Mexico creates collaborative resolution process for medical injury disputes as alternative to traditional malpractice litigation to reduce costs and expedite settlements.

action postponed indefinitely
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Bill Summary · HB 15

Legislative bill overview

HB 15 establishes a collaborative resolution process for medical injury disputes in New Mexico, creating an alternative to traditional litigation. The bill creates a structured framework allowing patients and healthcare providers to work together with neutral facilitators to resolve medical injury claims outside of court.

Why is this important

Medical malpractice litigation is expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining for all parties involved. This bill could reduce the burden on New Mexico's court system while potentially providing faster resolution and compensation for injured patients, though its effectiveness depends heavily on participation rates and implementation details.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability and compensation uncertainty: Collaborative resolution may result in lower settlements than litigation, potentially disadvantaging injured patients who would recover more through court verdicts
  • Provider protections vs. patient advocacy: Healthcare providers may use the process to minimize payouts, while patient advocates worry the informal process lacks the discovery protections and legal leverage of formal litigation
  • Implementation and funding: The bill's success depends on adequate state resources, training of facilitators, and whether participation incentives are sufficient to attract both patients and providers to use the process

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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