The proposed "Health Care Whistleblower Protection Act" aims to safeguard individuals who report unlawful or improper actions within health care entities in New Mexico. The bill defines key terms such as "whistleblower," "retaliatory action," and "health care entity," and establishes that health care entities are prohibited from taking retaliatory actions against whistleblowers who disclose information about unlawful practices, participate in investigations, or refuse to engage in activities they believe to be improper. The identity of whistleblowers is to remain confidential unless they consent to its release.

Additionally, the bill grants whistleblowers the right to pursue civil action for damages against health care entities that violate these protections, including provisions for actual damages, reinstatement, and attorney fees. It also requires health care entities to adopt and publicly post a whistleblower protection policy, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed of their rights under the act. A civil action must be initiated within two years of the retaliatory action, and the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.