Health Law and Policy

The Institute of Public Law (IPL) works with state agencies and other entities in developing informed health policy through legal analysis, drafting and advisory services. Our staff has expertise in state and federal health law, regulatory issues, biomedical ethics, and health care decision making.

Health Law and Policy Projects

Advance Directive Form for Healthcare in New Mexico
An Advance Directive Form lets you give instructions about your own health care and/or name someone else (an agent) to make health care decisions for you if you become unable to make your own decisions. You may fill out some or all of this form. You may change all or any part of it, or use a different form. If you have already signed a durable power of attorney for health care and/or a right-to-die statement (living will), these are still valid. If you wish to combine the health care instructions found in these documents, you may use this optional form. Clicking on this link will take you to the UNM Health Sciences Center Website.
Visit the Advance Directive Form for Healthcare in New Mexico Website
Biomedical Ethics and Research Activities
IPL staff have served on university biomedical ethics committees that promote ethical decision-making in health care, and hospital institutional review boards that ensure the protection of participants in health care research.
Emergency Public Health Law
We advised and assisted several state agencies in developing legislation that was enacted to respond to public health emergencies in New Mexico.
Health Coverage for New Mexicans Commission
IPL supported a governor's commission appointed to report on how to extend health coverage to all New Mexicans by analyzing the legal implications of several proposed models.
Health Policy Commission Services
IPL staff provided legal analysis and advisory services for the state Health Policy Commission, including drafting proposed legislation on health information privacy and consulting on a study on access to birthing services.
Values History Form
We developed and distributed an innovative Values History Form to assist individuals and their designees in understanding personal beliefs supporting their health care decisions. The Values History Form, and an Advance Directive for making health care decisions, are available at the UNM Health Sciences Center
Visit the Values History Form Website