House Memorial 63 expresses support for expanding the scope of practice for certified advanced practice chiropractic physicians in New Mexico to include primary care services. This initiative aims to address the state's critical shortage of primary care providers, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The memorial highlights the rigorous training and education that chiropractic physicians undergo, which positions them as capable contributors to primary health care teams. It also notes that certified advanced practice chiropractic physicians are already involved in managing various health conditions and have limited prescriptive authority.
The memorial encourages the New Mexico chiropractic association to develop a two-tiered certification system that would allow these practitioners to provide primary care services while ensuring they meet appropriate training and competency standards. It aligns with national trends towards integrative care and recognizes the evolving role of chiropractic physicians in managing chronic diseases and preventive care. The House of Representatives calls for the chiropractic board to continue refining certification standards and training requirements to ensure safe and effective primary care delivery.