SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Gov. Susana Martinez plans to ask the Legislature for $1.5 million next year to expand programs that can help bring nurses, dentists and other medical providers to rural areas of New Mexico. The governor said Tuesday that part of the proposed money would go for a program offering loans to nursing students who agree to practice in medically underserved areas and a program that repays student loans of other health care professionals who make similar commitments to work in medically needy parts of New Mexico.
Martinez also wants to expand a program for New Mexicans to attend out-of-state dental programs in exchange for returning to practice in New Mexico.
The governor's office said the proposed financing would cover about 72 additional medical professionals annually.
