Jim Townsend, a State Senator, has emphasized the urgent need to address medical malpractice issues in light of the declining physician population in the state. "The decline in the state’s physician population highlights the urgent need to address medical malpractice issues, especially with an aging population," Townsend said on X.
"New Mexico is the only State in the union where the population of Doctors declined last year," said Townsend, Minority Leader. "Saying medical malpractice is not a problem is untrue. We must address this issue especially because of our aging populations."
According to Source New Mexico, debates for New Mexico's 2024–2025 legislative session are focused on whether malpractice laws contribute to provider shortages and increased costs. Proposals supported by Think New Mexico include capping attorneys’ fees, ending lump-sum payouts, and joining interstate licensure compacts. Senate Bill 176 also proposed directing a portion of punitive damages towards prevention funds. These measures aim to balance patient recovery with access and affordability.
Data from KFF’s January 2024 licensing dataset, summarized by Becker’s Hospital Review, indicates that New Mexico had 3,134 primary care physicians in 2024, equating to 148.2 per 100,000 residents. This figure is significantly lower than Washington D.C.'s 515.6 per 100,000 residents, highlighting a considerable gap in primary care capacity.
Malpractice financing pressures have become evident through changes in New Mexico’s Patient Compensation Fund surcharges for 2025. The Office of the Superintendent of Insurance ordered an increase of 8.6% for independent providers and a 19.7% increase for hospitals. The order followed actuarial recommendations from the Advisory Board to address deficits and reflects rising claim costs.
Townsend served as House Minority Leader from 2019–2023 before winning a State Senate seat for District 34 in 2024 and beginning his term in 2025. He previously represented House District 54 from 2015–2024 and has prioritized regulatory, energy, and legal reform initiatives throughout his political career.
