New Mexico Register / Volume XXXII, Issue 22 / November 30, 2021

This is an amendment to 16.27.14 NMAC, Sections 3 and 8, effective 11/30/2021.

16.27.14.3 STATUTORY AUTHORITY: These parts are promulgated pursuant to the Counselor and Therapist Practice Act, [Section 61-9A-1 through 61-9A-30] Sections 61-9A-1, 61-9A-3, 61-9A-9, and 61-9A-16 through 61-9A-30 NMSA 1978.

[16.27.14.3 NMAC – Rp, 16 NMAC 27.15.3, 6/15/2001; A, 11/30/2021]

16.27.14.8 TEMPORARY LICENSES: Temporary mental health counselor licenses (LMHC) and associate marriage and family therapist licenses (LAMFT) shall be granted as follows:

A. Will be granted to individuals meeting all educational requirements [except the prescribed examination] for the license sought. The temporary license is intended to permit the licensee time to meet examination requirements for the license. The temporary license [will] shall not be valid [no] for more than 60 days after the results of the next examination become available and cannot be renewed. [The temporary license of an individual shall automatically expire upon failure to take or to pass the required examination and cannot be reissued.] (The temporary license must be returned to the board office). Individuals practicing under a temporary license shall not provide supervision.

B. A temporary license will be granted for a period not to exceed six months or for a period of time necessary for the board to ensure that the applicant has met licensure requirements as set out in that act.

C. Effective July 1, 2006, the board will grant a temporary [license once] the applicant has met the [licensure requirements] educational requirements for licensure in the given field being sought. If the applicant fails the [first (1st)] required exam, the board [will] shall [reschedule] schedule the applicant to re-take the examination and [will] shall re-issue a second temporary license. If the applicant fails the [exam a second (2 nd) time] second exam, the board may re-issue a third temporary license. [The applicant must provide proof of registration on a tutorial class.] The board [will] shall not issue more than three temporary licenses. Should the applicant fail the required examination three times, the board shall not issue another temporary license for that application for licensing. Upon passing the requisite examination, the applicant holding the temporary LMHC or LAMFT shall be issued the LMHC or LAMFT license so that the applicant may continue to practice under supervision and acquire the requisite clinical hours and supervision for the independent license (LPCC, LMFT, LPAT, or LADAC).

D. The time and hours acquired under a temporary license shall not expire or become null and void upon a gap in licensure as long as the hours were obtained within the five years preceding the issuance of the LMHC or LAMFT license.

E. Upon the expiration of a temporary license, the individual must refrain from practicing until another temporary license or the full license is issued to them.

[16.27.14.8 NMAC – Rp, 16 NMAC 27.15.8, 6/15/2001; A, 7/1/2004; A, 2/10/2006; A, 1/15/2007; A, 11/30/2021]