This bill establishes new regulations regarding nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in licensed hospitals in New Mexico. It mandates the Health Care Authority to create and enforce minimum staffing ratios, which will be informed by a newly formed Statewide Staffing Advisory Committee. The committee will consist of fourteen members representing various stakeholders, including nursing directors from private, public, and rural hospitals, as well as non-managerial nursing staff. The bill outlines the definitions of key terms, such as "critical access hospital" and "hospital staffing committee," and requires hospitals to develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the established staffing ratios.

Additionally, the bill sets forth a framework for monitoring and enforcing these staffing requirements, including penalties for non-compliance. Hospitals must report deviations from the staffing ratios and provide corrective action plans if violations occur. The authority is empowered to impose civil penalties for repeated violations and may grant waivers for rural or critical access hospitals under certain circumstances. The legislation aims to enhance patient care by ensuring adequate nursing staff levels while also considering the unique challenges faced by rural healthcare facilities.