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HB 297

UNM PROJECT ECHO

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pamelya Herndon and 1 co-sponsor

HB 297 would authorize and fund UNM's PROJECT ECHO telemedicine program to extend specialist healthcare training and consultation to underserved rural New Mexico communities.

action postponed indefinitely
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Bill Summary · HB 297

Legislative bill overview

HB 297 appears to establish or expand the University of New Mexico's PROJECT ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), a telemedicine and training initiative focused on extending healthcare expertise to underserved communities. The bill would likely provide funding and authorization for UNM to operate this program, which uses hub-and-spoke models to connect specialists with primary care providers in rural or underserved areas.

Why is this important

New Mexico has significant rural healthcare access challenges and provider shortages. PROJECT ECHO addresses this by leveraging telemedicine and education to improve care quality without requiring patients to travel long distances or communities to recruit new physicians. This can reduce health disparities in a state where many rural counties lack adequate specialty care.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding allocation: Determining appropriate state funding levels for a university-based program when other healthcare and education priorities compete for resources
  • Program scope and accountability: Questions about which medical specialties and geographic areas the program will prioritize, and how outcomes will be measured to justify continued funding
  • Sustainability beyond state support: Whether the program can achieve financial viability through federal grants, billing, or partnerships, or if it creates ongoing state budget obligations

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

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