Mike Romo, a board member of the nonprofit Locker505, expressed concerns about New Mexico's malpractice system, stating it is driving providers away. He criticized the reliance on agreements that shift resources from other states in a statement made on X.
"We can't keep providers in our state because of the malpractice system among other things, so the solution seems to be to make agreements and essentially take resources from other states," said Romo. "How much lower can we go?"
New Mexico's 2023–2025 tort reform discussions have centered on how malpractice costs and liability structures contribute to physician shortages and healthcare access issues. Proposed reforms include capping attorneys' fees, restructuring the Patient Compensation Fund, and joining interstate licensing compacts to retain providers. Advocates argue these changes could reduce litigation pressures and attract clinicians to underserved areas, as reported by Source New Mexico.
According to an October 2024 briefing by the New Mexico Legislative Health and Human Services Committee, the state's primary care residency positions increased from 142 to 191, with a 59% in-state retention rate for graduates. Despite this progress, New Mexico's retention remains below neighboring Colorado and Texas averages, highlighting ongoing workforce challenges in rural areas.
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) reported in 2024 that interstate medical licensure compacts improve workforce mobility by allowing faster credentialing and emergency staffing across states. For New Mexico, participation could ease shortages by sharing healthcare resources with nearby member states such as Arizona and Utah, according to the NCSL briefing memo.
Romo is an Albuquerque-based entrepreneur and retired firefighter-paramedic who works in leadership and community development while collaborating with Locker505. His professional background includes financial services, emergency response, and public speaking.
Locker505 is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It provides clothing and essentials to K–12 students in need. Operated by volunteers, it partners with schools and community agencies to ensure children have proper attire for class participation. The organization's mission and outreach are detailed on its official site.
