Committee hears bill to create tax credit for health-care preceptors; bill temporarily tabled

House Bill 3 95 would create a tax credit to compensate health-care preceptors who supervise clinical residencies and preceptorships, aiming to expand residency training capacity and address provider shortages, especially in rural counties.

Representative Gonzalez introduced the bill and said a preceptor supervises clinical residencies and that expanding residency programs requires more preceptors. Matthew Probst, identified in committee as a physician-assistant and director of rural engagement at the University of New Mexico Office for Community Health, appeared online and spoke in support. Supporters told the committee the credit would be a relatively low-cost way to incentivize clinicians to provide preceptorships.

Public comment in the room included Jacob Smith, formerly a graduate clinical program coordinator at UNM, who recommended clarifying language to use hours rather than weeks in the eligibility requirement to match graduate-program practice. Katie Gutierrez of Think New Mexico also testified in support, saying the bill would help the health-care workforce shortage in rural counties.

Action and outcome: During the recorded excerpt the committee considered public comment and then a motion was made to table the bill; Representative Gallegos seconded the motion and the motion to table carried without recorded opposition in the excerpt. The bill was temporarily tabled for further consideration.

Why it matters: Proponents argue that paying preceptors would expand clinical training slots and help alleviate provider shortages in underserved areas; supporters urged clarifying eligibility language to an hourly measure rather than a weekly minimum.

Next steps: The bill is temporarily tabled; sponsors and stakeholders indicated they will work to refine eligibility language and return with additional materials.