The Sandoval County Republican Legislative Task Force convened on September 29, 2025, to address the pressing healthcare crisis in New Mexico, particularly the alarming shortage of medical professionals. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by residents in accessing healthcare services, especially specialists, and the factors contributing to the state's declining physician workforce.

Senator Anthony Thornton opened the discussion by presenting stark statistics from the Cicero Institute, revealing that New Mexico is the only state experiencing a net loss of doctors. Currently, 32 of the state's 33 counties are designated as health professional shortage areas. By 2030, New Mexico is projected to be short 2,118 doctors, with nearly half of medical residents choosing to practice out of state after completing their training. This trend poses significant risks to the health of New Mexicans, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

Senator Thornton shared personal experiences and concerns from local physicians, including Dr. Casey Carroll, who reported long wait times for primary care and specialty services. Patients often face delays of up to nine months for specialist appointments, a situation not encountered by Dr. Carroll during her previous practice in Colorado. The senator emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies to improve healthcare access, including reforms to the state's medical malpractice environment, which is viewed as a deterrent for attracting and retaining doctors.

Senator Pat Woods also contributed to the discussion, citing the struggles of small-town hospitals like the one in Clayton, where a 500% increase in liability insurance premiums has made it difficult to recruit providers. He noted that many residents are forced to seek care in neighboring states due to the lack of available doctors in New Mexico.

Senator Block, who has two hospitals in his district, echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, stressing the importance of addressing medical malpractice issues to create a more favorable environment for healthcare providers. He pointed out that states with better healthcare access, such as Texas and Massachusetts, have implemented measures that attract physicians.

The task force aims to explore these issues further and develop actionable solutions to stem the tide of physician departures and improve healthcare access for New Mexicans. The urgency of the situation was clear, with legislators acknowledging that without immediate action, the state's healthcare system and overall economy could face dire consequences.