SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Gov. Susana Martinez is proposing to make New Mexico more competitive for nursing professionals. She's scheduled to announce a proposal Wednesday to streamline the process for nurses licensed in other states to become licensed in New Mexico. Martinez also is expected to discuss her efforts to recruit more nurse practitioners from Texas, Oklahoma and Utah were restrictions on nurse practitioners are higher than in New Mexico.
Last week, Martinez announced a plan where nurses practicing in New Mexico who want to continue their professional development would be eligible for financial assistance from the state. She says the state's health care workforce would be bolstered by expanding the nursing loan-for-service program.
Martinez says all but one of New Mexico's 33 counties are considered health professional shortage areas by the federal government.
