Merging medical boards makes sense for NM

ON FEB. 2, Senate Bill 279 was introduced by Sen. Bill O’Neill. The bill will amend the Medical Practice Act to merge the Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners with the N.M. Medical Board. Osteopathic physicians are currently licensed through the Regulation and Licensing Department, which manages a wide array of professions from financial institutions to construction industries . ...

Osteopathic physicians represent a growing profession that provides primary and specialty medical care to many New Mexicans. A majority of states, over 70%, currently have a single board for both professions. This provides consistent licensure services for osteopathic physicians and consistent standards for both professions. With the establishment of the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in New Mexico, the licensing and regulation of the practice of osteopathic medicine will continue to grow. Combining these professions will bring parity to the practice of medicine and ensure a standard level of public health and safety. The Student Government Association and Student Osteopathic Medical Association of Burrell College fully support this merger, and appreciate O’Neill in proposing this bill. We look forward to working with our medical board colleagues should the bill pass. JOSIEL GARCIA Student Doctor; President, Student Government Association, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine