Senate Memorial 15 requests the Office of Superintendent of Insurance, the Department of Health, and the Health Care Authority to establish a joint task force aimed at examining the medical malpractice system in New Mexico. The task force is tasked with identifying issues within the current system and recommending potential solutions. This initiative arises from concerns regarding the high premiums for medical malpractice insurance and the resulting shortage of healthcare providers in the state, emphasizing the need for a fair and equitable system that balances patient rights with the attractiveness of New Mexico for healthcare professionals.

The proposed task force will consist of a diverse group of members, including representatives from patient advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and the medical malpractice insurance industry, as well as key officials such as the Superintendent of Insurance and the Secretaries of Health and Health Care Authority. The task force is expected to submit a report detailing its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee and the Legislative Finance Committee by December 1, 2026. Additionally, copies of the memorial will be sent to relevant state officials, including the governor and the co-chairs of the New Mexico Legislative Council.