New Mexico Register / Volume XXXIII, Issue 24 / December 27, 2022

This is an amendment to 16.22.5 NMAC, Section 8, effective 01/08/2023.

16.22.5.8 APPLICATION; EXAMINATION; PROCESS:

A. A non-refundable application fee set by the board is due at the time of each initial application. Additional fees may be charged and will be collected by the board, as necessary, for the administration of examinations.

B. The applicant may be considered for licensure if the applicant fulfills conditions of 16.22.4 NMAC, 16.22.6 NMAC, and 16.22.7 NMAC. The board will develop, approve, [and] maintain and post on its website a list of American and Canadian jurisdictions whose requirements of education, supervised experience and EPPP passing score do not meet [or exceed] those of 16.22.4 NMAC, 16.22.6 NMAC and Paragraph (1) of Subsection A of 16.22.7.8 NMAC. The board shall include a statement of the specific licensure requirement not met for each jurisdiction on the list. 16.22.14 NMAC. The only exceptions to these requirements apply to [foreign trained individuals] applicants who are graduates from programs outside the United States and Canada as defined in 16.22.5.15 NMAC.

C. Nationwide criminal history screening: All applicants for initial licensure in any category in New Mexico are subject to a national criminal history screening at their expense. All applicants must register with the New Mexico Department of public safety’s fingerprinting vendor, pay the fingerprint processing fee and submit fingerprints in accordance with the vendor’s established process. Background check results will be sent directly to the board office electronically.

(1) Applications for licensure will not be approved without submission of fingerprints criminal background screening and fee.

(2) Applications will be processed pending the completion of the nationwide criminal background screening.

(3) If the criminal background screening reveals a disqualifying criminal conviction, the applicant/licensee will be notified to submit copies of legal documents and other related information to the board which will make the determination if the applicant is eligible for licensure or if disciplinary action will be taken.

(4) Applications not completed and approved within 24 months from the date application is received in the board office shall become null and void and the applicant shall submit a new application.

[16.22.5.8 NMAC - Rp, 16.22.5.9 NMAC, 11/15/06; A, 9/16/10; A, 4/11/2012; A, 7/1/2018; A, 01/08/2023]