The proposed bill amends the Health Care Consolidation Oversight Act to enhance the review process for transactions involving mergers, acquisitions, or changes in control of hospitals and certain health care provider organizations. It broadens the definition of "transaction" to encompass various forms of control changes and establishes a requirement for the health care authority to review these transactions. The bill introduces whistleblower protections, administrative penalties for violations, and repeals the delayed repeal of the act, ensuring its continued enforcement. It also mandates the health care authority to post public information about proposed transactions and conduct public comment forums to gather community input, emphasizing transparency and public engagement.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a framework for assessing administrative fines for violations, with fines up to $5,000 for each instance of violation, increasing to $10,000 for willful violations. Additional fines may be imposed for failure to provide required notice of proposed transactions, including a daily fine of up to $15,000 for willful failures. Collected fines are to be deposited into the state treasury for the benefit of the current school fund. The bill clarifies the authority of the attorney general in protecting consumers and maintaining competitive markets, establishes personal jurisdiction for New Mexico courts over parties involved in transactions, and includes provisions for whistleblower protection with potential fines for violations. The effective date for the provisions of this act is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
JC substitute: 59A-63-1, 59A-63-2, 59A-63-3, 59A-63-4, 59A-63-5, 59A-63-6, 59A-63-7, 59A-63-8
Final Version: 59A-63-1, 59A-63-2, 59A-63-3, 59A-63-4, 59A-63-5, 59A-63-6, 59A-63-7, 59A-63-8