New Mexico clears way for hospitals to ration care if needed

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN
Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is clearing the way for hospitals to ration care if necessary. Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. David Scrase says hospitals already have been juggling patients with fewer resources, and the order he signed Monday sets up an “equitable procedure” for making tough decisions. Hospitals can suspend procedures that aren’t medically necessary if they don’t have capacity. Officials say many patients are being treated for non-COVID-19 illnesses and for delaying care. State officials again pushed vaccinations, as the rate in New Mexico continues to hover just below 72%. There is a proposal being introduced in Albuquerque that would require that city’s police officers and first responders to be vaccinated or face termination.