Lawmakers Urged to Pass 10 Health Worker Compacts to Expand Care

Tracy Goldizen, associate director of the policy nonprofit Think New Mexico, called on state lawmakers to approve all 10 interstate compacts that would ease licensing barriers for health care workers and expand patient access across New Mexico. Goldizen argued that joining the compacts is the most immediate way for the Legislature to increase the number of clinicians available to serve communities, including through telehealth.

The compacts allow health care professionals licensed in participating states to practice across state lines with reduced administrative hurdles. States that join the doctor compact see a 10-15% annual increase in the number of doctors licensed, a boost that proponents say quickly translates into more appointment availability. At present, 42 states participate in the doctor compact, 41 are in the psychology compact and 39 in the physical therapist compact. New Mexico currently belongs to the nursing compact, and is one of only four states that participates in just one or no other health care worker compacts.

Last year the House unanimously passed seven of the compacts and the governor expressed support, but a small group of senators blocked final approval. The Senate majority leader has pledged to consider compacts for doctors and social workers during the 2026 session. Goldizen urged legislators to move beyond piecemeal consideration and approve all 10 compacts to address shortages among emergency medical technicians, physical therapists, physician assistants, occupational therapists and behavioral health providers.

The guest column also addressed frequently raised concerns, including the legal structures that govern compact commissions, assertions about the potential impact on access to reproductive or gender-affirming care, and whether this is the right moment to act. Goldizen argued legislators can enact the compacts while protecting state authority over scope of practice and patient protections, and that delays prolong workforce shortages.

For residents of Sandoval County, supporters say swift passage could mean more local appointment slots, reduced wait times for specialty care, and expanded telehealth options for rural and underserved neighborhoods. Hospitals, clinics and emergency services often compete statewide for scarce clinicians; compacts are presented as a tool to broaden the pool of available professionals without lowering licensure standards.

As the 2026 legislative session opens, the debate is likely to focus on balancing concerns about governance and state control with the urgent need to expand health care capacity. Lawmakers will decide whether to act quickly to align New Mexico with most other states and accelerate clinician access for counties across the state.