Senate committee advances Emily Kaltenbach nomination to lead Aging and Long Term Services Department

Emily Kaltenbach, the governor's designee to lead the Aging and Long Term Services Department, had her nomination advanced by the Senate Rules Committee after supporters outlined her background in rural health and caregiving programs.

Kaltenbach has been serving as acting secretary since November and testified that supporting informal caregivers would be a central priority. "I am committed to ensuring that the department helps New Mexicans age in place safely and with dignity," Kaltenbach told the committee as she described plans to bolster the aging network, ombudsman visits, dementia supports and caregiver training.

The nomination drew endorsements from former co-workers and elected officials. Senator Peter Worth introduced Kaltenbach and described her experience at Presbyterian Medical Services, the Office of Healthcare Reform and earlier roles at the state aging agency. Rachel O'Connor, a behavioral health consultant and former Santa Fe County director of community services, and Larry Martinez, a long-time state official and former colleague, both urged the committee to approve the nomination. Karen Wells, an analyst for the House Health and Human Services Committee, also testified in support.

Committee members asked Kaltenbach about access to care, long-term care facility oversight, the ombudsman program and supports for grandparents raising grandchildren. Kaltenbach said New Mexico has about 270,000 informal caregivers and noted the department's New Mexico CARE program to provide financial support and training for informal caregivers. "That translates into about 250,000,000 caregiver hours every year," she said, adding that expanding support for caregivers is an economic and social imperative.

On oversight of long-term care facilities, Kaltenbach described the department's long-term care ombudsman program and its role in protecting residents' rights while noting that licensing and formal enforcement are handled by the Health Care Authority. "The ombudsman are both staff and volunteers who develop relationships with the facilities," she said, and noted the program covers nearly 300 licensed long-term care and assisted-living facilities statewide.

Senators expressed concern about workforce shortages, facility quality and services for behavioral health and dementia; several asked about tax credits or legislative supports for kinship caregivers. Kaltenbach cited pending legislation that would create tax credits for foster and kinship caregivers and said the department would seek to strengthen resource-center services and expand training.

Senator Stefanik moved to advance the appointment. A roll-call vote in committee recorded multiple yes votes; the chair announced "With the vote in of 8 in favor" the committee would send the nomination to the full Senate for confirmation.

Kaltenbach thanked the committee and the record shows one additional organization, the New Mexico Health Care Association (Vincent Vargas), registered support though Vargas did not speak. No committee member voiced formal opposition during the hearing.

Kaltenbach faces a full Senate confirmation vote later this morning.