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New Mexico gov to abusive caregivers: ‘We’re coming for you’

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New Mexico gov to abusive caregivers: ‘We’re coming for you’


Any caregivers who mistreat and abuse developmentally disabled or in any other case susceptible individuals will likely be held accountable, New Mexico’s governor and prime well being officers warned Monday.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, members of her cupboard and regulation enforcement officers gathered on the state Capitol to offer an replace on ongoing investigations into an alleged abuse and neglect case involving a developmentally disabled individual that was dropped at the state’s consideration March 1.

The case resulted within the state terminating contracts with 4 suppliers within the Albuquerque space. It additionally prompted what the governor described as a forensic overview of your complete developmentally disabled waiver system, which is supposed to supply an alternative choice to institutional care.

5 extra circumstances — together with three wherein people being cared for died — are underneath investigation. Officers mentioned that they haven’t decided if these deaths are tied to abuse or neglect.

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Over the weekend, state well being staff visited greater than 1,000 people who find themselves a part of the federally funded waiver program. Consequently, one other eight potential circumstances warrant future overview, officers mentioned.

“Should you’re not offering the care that you simply had been supposed to offer, we’ll discover you and you may be held accountable. That’s it — zero tolerance within the state of New Mexico. We’re coming,” Lujan Grisham mentioned throughout a information convention.

Lujan Grisham, whose sister is developmentally disabled, referred to as the current circumstances in New Mexico alarming, and vowed that the state won’t tolerate abuse, neglect and exploitation of any susceptible populations.

Officers with the New Mexico Division of Well being have been tight-lipped in regards to the allegations that prompted the preliminary investigation and the cancellation of the suppliers’ contracts.

Well being Secretary Patrick Allen mentioned Monday that the consumer concerned within the March 1 case suffered life-threatening accidents however didn’t present additional particulars.

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He mentioned that the opposite cases recognized in current weeks contain neglect corresponding to malnutrition.

Lujan Grisham partly blamed the coronavirus pandemic and strict public well being protocols that restricted relations and different advocates from visiting sufferers, for some cases of neglect and abuse going unreported. She mentioned telehealth visits and on-line wellness checks have been no substitute and the variety of referrals for potential abuse or neglect dropped consequently. She instructed that additionally opened the door for different insidious conduct to go unchecked.

The governor pointed to a current case in Michigan involving a 71-year-old lady who was born with a spinal deformity that left her unable to take care of herself or to speak. She starved to dying in a bunch residence.

Allen mentioned his company, together with the state’s Ageing and Lengthy-Time period Providers Division, will likely be working to go to the remaining practically 5,100 people who find themselves collaborating within the developmentally disabled waiver program throughout the subsequent 30 days.

The state additionally plans to schedule extra common visits going ahead and to overview total case information, slightly than solely what suppliers undergo Medicaid for reimbursement.

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Allen mentioned the reliance on caregivers, restricted transportation choices, restricted entry to language interpreters or different assistive gadgets, and normal isolation from the neighborhood can put individuals with disabilities at greater danger.

“Escaping abuse is tough for any sufferer, nevertheless it’s solely compounded when the particular person abusing you is the one you depend on that can assist you gown and get out of the home,” he mentioned.

Whereas the entire care givers allegedly concerned within the preliminary March 1 case are not are working with shoppers, no legal prices have been filed. Authorities burdened Monday that the investigations had been ongoing.

One of many suppliers that had their contract cancelled — an company that supplied residential in-home take care of the particular person — posted a press release on its web site saying that it instantly notified state officers after studying of “vital accidents” to one in every of their shoppers after a caregiver selected to take that particular person out of state. They referred to as the case heartbreaking.

The opposite suppliers supplied case administration, behavioral companies and bodily remedy for the sufferer. They too have mentioned that they had been unaware of the allegations.

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Some plan to enchantment the state’s choice to cancel their contracts, citing reputations constructed over a few years by serving individuals with disabilities.

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Montoya Bryan reported from Albuquerque, New Mexico.



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New Mexico

A look at the 2024 Good News Stories from New Mexico

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A look at the 2024 Good News Stories from New Mexico


NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Another year is coming to an end. As we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025, KRQE News 13 is looking back on some of the local heartwarming of the year. Below is a list of KRQE’s Good News stories from the past year. 1. Albuquerque teen honored by First Lady as […]



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New Mexico

New Mexico WR Ryan Davis transfers to Utah

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New Mexico WR Ryan Davis transfers to Utah


Utah continues to strengthen its receiving corps with the addition of Ryan Davis, a talented wide receiver from New Mexico. Davis announced his commitment to the Utes, marking a significant boost to their offensive depth.

Davis was a standout performer for the Lobos last season, finishing as the team’s second-leading receiver. He totaled 54 receptions for 747 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to make plays in crucial moments. His production extended to games against Power 4 competition, with Davis recording 12 catches for 181 yards in matchups against Arizona, Auburn, and Washington State. This ability to perform against high-level opponents highlights his potential impact at Utah.

At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Davis is a versatile slot receiver with the capability to stretch the field and contribute at all levels of the passing game. His sure hands and reliable route-running were evident as he recorded at least one catch in each of New Mexico’s final 11 games. Davis also has a track record of academic success, earning Mountain West All-Academic and Scholar-Athlete honors.

Utah defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa enters transfer portal

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Davis is the third player to transfer from New Mexico to Utah, joining a pipeline established by Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck and wide receivers coach Micah Simon. His familiarity with their system should ease his transition to the Utes’ offense.

Former Oklahoma QB Brendan Zurbrugg transfers to Utah

Before his time at New Mexico, Davis played at UAB, where he contributed for three seasons. His experience across multiple programs adds valuable depth and leadership to Utah’s wide receiver room.

With one year of eligibility remaining, Davis brings experience, consistency, and a competitive edge to a Utah team that continues to bolster its offensive firepower heading into the upcoming season.



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Latest on Christmas Day storm in parts of New Mexico

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Latest on Christmas Day storm in parts of New Mexico


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Dry and warm weather will remain through Christmas Eve before a weak winter storm impact parts of the state on Christmas Day. 

Light snow accumulation is likely across the northern mountains and Raton Pass, resulting in some slick roads and minor travel impacts. 

Breezy to locally windy conditions are possible across the southern and southwest mountains, and the eastern plains on Christmas as well.

Watch the video above for more from Meteorologist Brandon Richards.

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