New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 7 - HEALTH
Chapter 27 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Part 2 - LICENSING OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL
Section 7.27.2.14 - ENFORCEMENT

Universal Citation: 7 NM Admin Code 7.27.2.14

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024

A. EMS licensing commission:

(1) Statutory basis: The emergency medical services licensing commission is established pursuant to Section 24-10B-5.1 NMSA 1978 of the act.

(2) Duties: The duties of the commission are to:
(a) provide a forum for the receipt of public comment regarding emergency medical services licensing matters;

(b) oversee the bureau's licensing and enforcement functions;

(c) receive complaints, direct investigations, and authorize the initiation of actions by the bureau regarding contemplated refusal to grant initial licensure and for disciplinary actions against licensees; and

(d) grant waivers, for good cause shown, of regulations pertaining to licensure renewal.

(3) Organization: Members of the commission are appointed by the secretary as provided by law.
(a) Commission members shall serve until their successors have been appointed by the secretary.

(b) In the event of a vacancy on the commission by resignation or removal, the bureau shall immediately notify the secretary so as to expedite the appointment of a new commission member. The secretary shall appoint such vacancies.

(c) The commission may recommend to the secretary removal of any commission member for the following reasons:
(i) failing to attend or otherwise participate in two consecutive meetings without a valid reason; or

(ii) any other good cause.

(d) The commission shall elect a chair and vice-chair annually. The term of office begins with the meeting at which the officer is elected.

(e) The bureau shall serve as staff for the commission.

(4) Commission meetings: The commission shall meet as needed, but not less than semi-annually.
(a) Commission meetings for receipt of public comment regarding emergency medical services licensing functions and oversight of the bureau's licensure function shall be subject to the Open Meetings Act, Section 10-15-1, et seq., NMSA 1978.

(b) Meetings pertaining to the issuance, suspension, renewal or revocation of a license, or other personnel matters, are closed meetings as provided by the Open Meetings Act.

(c) A meeting notice resolution, consistent with the provisions of the Open Meetings Act, shall be adopted by the commission and shall be reviewed in November of each year at a regularly scheduled meeting of the commission.

(d) Minutes of meetings shall be taken and maintained in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

(e) A commission member may attend a meeting of the commission via telephone or other teleconferencing technology, if it otherwise difficult or impossible for the member to attend in person.

(5) Receipt of public comment: There shall be an opportunity for receipt of public comment regarding licensure matters, in writing or orally, at each open commission meeting.
(a) Written public comment intended for consideration by the commission shall be mailed to the bureau. The comments must include the person's name, address, and telephone number, if available. Unidentified comments may or may not be considered by the commission.

(b) The commission, upon receipt of public comments, may make an appropriate recommendation to the bureau to take action based on those comments.

(6) Oversight: During each regularly scheduled meeting, the bureau will provide a report of its licensure functions to the commission. Commission members may, at any time, request information about licensure functions from the bureau.

B. Complaint/incident procedures: Any person may communicate a written complaint or knowledge of an incident to the bureau or the commission.

(1) When the bureau has knowledge of a complaint that may affect a person's license, it shall notify the chair of the commission as soon as practicable.

(2) Similarly, when the commission has knowledge of a complaint or incident affecting licensure, it shall notify the bureau.

(3) Other complaints, which would not affect licensure, will be directed to, and examined by the bureau.

(4) The bureau shall communicate to the chair or designee its opinion as to whether or not an investigation of the complaint should be initiated.

(5) Upon knowledge of a complaint, the chair, or designee, after consultation with other members of the commission, as feasible, shall authorize that an investigation be conducted.

(6) The chair or designee shall direct the course of the investigation through periodic communication with the bureau as necessary.

(7) If an investigation indicates that the complaint may affect a person's license, the licensee shall be notified that the bureau is conducting an investigation, unless extenuating circumstances reasonably preclude notification.
(a) At the conclusion of the bureau's investigation, the bureau shall report its findings to the commission in a closed meeting at which a majority of commission members participate, either in person or by means of a conference telephone or other similar communications equipment.

(b) The commission, after consideration of the bureau's report, may authorize the initiation of an action by the bureau regarding contemplated refusal to grant initial licensure, or for disciplinary action against a licensee, by a majority vote of commission members participating in the closed meeting. The commission may immediately authorize a cease and desist order or other immediate action, including but not limited to suspension, subject to expedited hearing rights as outlined in Paragraph (5) of Subsection G of 7.27.2.14 NMAC, if it determines that the health and safety of the public would be jeopardized unless the bureau takes action as soon as possible.

(c) The chair of the commission may immediately authorize the initiation of an action by the bureau regarding contemplated refusal to grant initial licensure, or for disciplinary action against a licensee, without consulting the other members of the commission. This immediate action may be used if the chair makes a good faith judgment that the health and safety of the public would be jeopardized unless the bureau takes action as soon as possible. Actions may include cease and desist orders or immediate suspension, subject to expedited hearing rights pursuant to Paragraph (5) of Subsection G of 7.27.2.14 NMAC of these rules. If the chair authorizes the initiation of an action by the bureau, the bureau shall notify each commission member in writing of such action within 10 working days of the initiation of the action.

(d) Upon receipt of authorization from the commission to initiate an action, the bureau may deny, suspend or revoke licensure or take other disciplinary action, in accordance with the provisions of the act, Paragraph (2) of Subsection B of Section 24-10B-5 NMSA 1978 and the Uniform Licensing Act, Sections 61-1-1, et seq., NMSA 1978.

C. Conduct of investigations: Investigations shall normally be conducted by the bureau.

(1) Preliminary investigations: When the bureau receives information that might form the basis for disciplinary action against a person, it shall begin a preliminary investigation. This is a fact finding, information gathering investigation that will attempt to determine for the commission whether justification exists for the commission to authorize the bureau to initiate an action or to conduct a formal investigation. The results of the preliminary investigation will be presented to the commission.

(2) Formal investigations: Formal investigations are authorized by the commission for the purpose of obtaining additional information to allow the commission to determine if it will authorize the bureau to initiate an action. The results of the formal investigation will be presented to the commission. Notice will be given to the person who is the subject of the formal investigation unless extenuating circumstances exist which would reasonably preclude notification.

D. Subpoena authority: In accordance with Subsection C of Section 24-10B-5. 1 NMSA 1978 of the EMS Act and Subsection A of Section 61-1-4 NMSA 1978 of the Uniform Licensing Act, the EMS licensing commission or the bureau, pursuant to the commissions authorization may, subject to the rules of privilege and confidentiality recognized by law, require the furnishing of information, the attendance of witnesses, and the production of books, records, papers or other objects necessary and proper for the purposes before it, and may take sworn statements of witnesses, including parties.

E. Waivers: The commission, upon good cause or for extenuating circumstances shown by a licensee, may grant a waiver of a specific regulation or regulations pertaining to licensure renewal for that licensee.

(1) A licensee shall demonstrate good cause to the commission by submitting written justification that identifies any extenuating circumstances, to the bureau. The licensee shall include any reasonable supporting documentation to relevant to the request.

(2) The bureau shall distribute the submitted written justification and supporting documentation to the members of the commission prior to their next meeting.

(3) The commission, as soon as practicable, shall determine if good cause exists to grant a waiver by a majority vote of commission members meeting in a closed meeting. To accomplish this, the commission shall evaluate the documentation and, if necessary, review other pertinent documentation requested from the licensee.

(4) The commission may also meet with the licensee at a closed meeting of the commission prior to rendering its decision as to whether good cause exists to grant a waiver.

(5) If the commission grants the waiver to the licensee, it shall direct the bureau to take appropriate action to implement the terms and conditions of the waiver.

(6) A licensee applying for a waiver shall be notified by the bureau of the commission's decision in writing within 20 calendar days of receipt of the commission's decision.

(7) The chair or his designee, with a recommendation from the bureau, may authorize a temporary waiver for licensure renewal, where they feel it may be justified, i.e., loss of employment, pecuniary interests, etc., subject to subsequent commission review and approval.

F. Impaired practitioner program: An EMT who voluntarily self-identifies to the bureau or the impaired practitioner committee that he is experiencing a physical or mental impairment shall be considered for the impaired practitioner program ("diversion program"). Consideration may not result in participation in the diversion program. Also, any impaired-EMT who the bureau, with the advice of the commission, determines may benefit from the impaired practitioner program may be compelled to attend the impaired practitioner committee.

(1) The bureau, with the advice of the commission, may appoint an impaired-EMT rehabilitation committee to organize and administer a program that will:
(a) serve as a diversion program to which the bureau may refer licensees in lieu of, or in addition to, other disciplinary action taken by the bureau under these regulations; and

(b) be a source of referral for EMTs who, on a voluntary basis, desire to avail themselves of treatment for behavioral health based or chemical-dependence impairments.

(2) The impaired practitioner committee shall be composed as a minimum of:
(a) one bureau staff member;

(b) one commission member;

(c) one mental health specialist; and

(d) one physician.

(3) The impaired practitioner committee shall:
(a) arrange evaluations for EMTs who request participation in the diversion program;

(b) review and designate treatment facilities and services to which EMTs in the diversion program may be referred;

(c) receive and review information concerning the status and progress of participants in the diversion program;

(d) publicize the diversion program in coordination with EMS professional organizations and the bureau; and

(e) prepare and provide reports as needed to the bureau and the commission.

(4) Each EMT entering the diversion program shall be informed of the procedures applicable to the diversion program, of the rights and responsibilities associated with participation in the diversion program and of the possible consequences of failure to participate in the diversion program. Failure to comply with any treatment requirement of the diversion program may result in termination of the diversion program participation. The bureau shall report termination of diversion program participation to the commission. Participation in the diversion program shall not be a defense against, but may be considered in mitigating any disciplinary action authorized by the commission and taken by the bureau. The commission is not precluded from authorizing the bureau to commence a disciplinary action against an EMT who is participating in the diversion program or has been terminated from the diversion program.

G. Denial, suspension, and revocation: A license may be denied, suspended, or revoked, or may be subject to any lesser disciplinary action, in accordance with the following:

(1) upon authorization by the commission, the bureau may suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue any license, or take other disciplinary action, in accordance with the provisions of the EMS Act, Subsection B of of Section 24-10B-5, NMSA 1978 and the Uniform Licensing Act, Section 61-1-1, et seq., NMSA 1978, for any of the reasons outlined below;

(2) if final disciplinary action is taken against a licensed EMS provider by the bureau, upon authorization from the commission, the bureau may publish the action in a periodical or other medium that has statewide distribution, and will notify the national registry of EMTs of the disciplinary action;

(3) grounds for denial, suspension, revocation or other disciplinary action are:
(a) misconduct in obtaining licensure;

(b) fraud, deceit, misrepresentation in obtaining licensure, including, but not limited to, cheating on an examination or attempting to subvert the initial or renewal licensing process;

(c) unprofessional conduct, whether committed while on duty or off duty, to include but not limited to, the following:
(i) dissemination of a patient's health information to individuals not entitled to such information and where such information is protected by law from disclosure;

(ii) falsifying or altering patient records or personnel records;

(iii) misappropriation of money, drugs or property;

(iv) obtaining or attempting to obtain any fee for patient services for one's self or for another through fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit;

(v) aiding, abetting, assisting or hiring an individual to violate the EMS Act or these duly promulgated rules;

(vi) failure to follow established procedure and documentation regarding controlled substances;

(vii) failure to make or keep accurate, intelligible entries in records as required by law, policy and standards for the practice of pre-hospital emergency care;

(viii) failure to report an EMS provider who is suspected of violating the New Mexico Emergency Medical Services Act or these rules;

(ix) intentionally engaging in sexual contact with or toward a patient.

(d) conviction of a felony, when the conviction relates directly to the profession or the practice of emergency medical services;

(e) negligence in the delivery of emergency medical services to include, but not limited to:
(i) practicing outside the standard of care, scope of licensure or without appropriate medical direction;

(ii) malpractice;

(iii) incompetence, in performance of pre-hospital emergency medical functions, whether direct patient care or the administration or management of that care. An EMS provider is under legal duty to possess and to apply the knowledge, skill and care that is ordinarily possessed and exercised by other EMS providers of the same licensure status and required by the generally accepted standards of the profession; the failure to possess or to apply to a substantial degree such knowledge, skill and care constitutes incompetence for purposes of disciplinary proceedings. It shall not be necessary to show that actual harm resulted from the act or omission or series of acts or omissions, so long as the conduct is of such a character that harm could have resulted to the patient or to the public;

(iv) patient abandonment: patient abandonment occurs when the EMS provider has accepted the patient assignment thus establishing a provider-patient relationship and then severs the relationship without giving reasonable notice to a qualified person who can make arrangements for the continuation of care.

(f) unauthorized disclosure of medical or other confidential information;

(g) physical or mental incapacity which could result or has resulted in performance of emergency medical service duties in a manner which endangers the health and safety of the patient or others;

(h) any demonstrated pattern of alcohol or other substance abuse; or any single instance of alcohol or substance abuse in the performance of emergency medical services duties;

(i) failure to successfully complete the impaired practitioner program; or failure to meet the terms and conditions of an impaired practitioner agreement;

(j) failure to meet licensure requirements;

(k) dispensing, administering, distributing or diversion of controlled substances, other than those authorized in the scope of practice, as defined in the New Mexico Controlled Substance Act, Section 30-31-1, et seq., NMSA 1978;

(l) failure to report revocation, suspension, denial, or other adverse actions taken in any other state or jurisdiction affecting the ability to practice emergency medical services;

(m) misrepresentation of the level of licensure or certification;

(n) performing duties as a licensed EMT without being licensed by the bureau to perform the authorized scope of practice for a level of licensure, including practicing after expiration of a license;

(o) any false, fraudulent, or deceptive statement in any document connected with the practice of emergency medical services, including, but not limited to, documents associated with:
(i) initial licensure;

(ii) renewal licensure;

(iii) licensure certificates, wallet cards; or

(iv) continuing education.

(p) failure to cooperate with an investigation, including but not limited to, failure to furnish the commission or bureau with information requested, or to appear for an interview as requested;

(q) inappropriate conduct or negligence by a licensed EMT who is also a registered instructor-coordinator;

(r) failure to comply with a judgment and order for child support or a warrant relating to paternity or child support proceedings issued by a district or tribal court, as provided in the Parental Responsibility Act, Section 40-5A-1 et seq., NMSA 1978;

(s) failure to notify the bureau in writing of the entry against the licensee or applicant, at any time in any state or jurisdiction, of either a felony conviction, or a misdemeanor conviction involving the use, dispensation, administration or distribution of a drug, the use of alcohol, sexual contact, or the possession or use of a weapon, within 10 calendar days of the conviction;

(t) intimidating, threatening, or taking any adverse action against a person for providing information to the bureau or commission, either directly or through an agent;

(u) impersonating an agent or employee of the bureau; and

(v) issuing non-sufficient funds check for the payment of licensing related fees.

(4) the provisions of the New Mexico Criminal Offender Employment Act, Section 28-2-1 et seq., NMSA 1978, shall apply to disciplinary actions proposed pursuant to this rule;

(5) procedures for enforcement of the Parental Responsibility Act:
(a) the New Mexico human services department (HSD) shall issue to the bureau a certified list of obligors (meaning persons who have been ordered to pay child support pursuant to a judgment and order for support issued by a district or tribal court) not in compliance with their judgment and order of support;

(b) upon determination by the bureau that the name and social security number of an applicant for licensure, a licensed person, or licensee, appears on the certified list, the bureau shall require that applicants for licensure:
(i) provide a statement of compliance from HSD to the bureau no later than 48 hours prior to scheduled attendance at a state EMS examination site; or

(ii) provide a statement of compliance from HSD to the bureau no later than the close of business, 60 days from the date of the letter of notification; or

(iii) if the applicant fails to provide a statement of compliance, the bureau shall be authorized by the commission to issue a notice of contemplated action to deny the application;

(iv) that persons currently licensed shall provide the bureau with a statement of compliance from HSD by the earlier of the application for licensure renewal or a specified date not to exceed 60 days;

(v) if the licensed person fails to provide the statement of compliance, the bureau shall be authorized by the commission to issue a notice of contemplated action to take appropriate action.

(c) upon authorization by the commission to issue a notice of contemplated action concerning violation of the Parental Enforcement Act, the bureau shall serve upon an applicant for licensure or licensee a notice of contemplated action in accordance with the Uniform Licensing Act stating that the bureau has grounds to take such action, and that the bureau shall take such action unless the applicant or licensed person mails a letter (certified mail, return receipt requested) within 20 days after service of the notice requesting a hearing, or provides the bureau, within 30 days of receipt of the notice of contemplated action, a statement of compliance from HSD; if the applicant or licensed person disagrees with the determination of non-compliance, or wishes to come into compliance, the applicant or licensed person shall contact the HSD child support enforcement division;

(d) in any hearing under this subparagraph, the following standards shall apply:
(i) a statement of non-compliance is conclusive evidence that requires the bureau to take appropriate action, unless the applicant or licensee provides the bureau with a subsequent statement of compliance, which shall preclude the bureau from taking any further action under this section;

(ii) when an action is taken against an applicant or licensee solely because the applicant or licensed person is not in compliance with a judgment and order for support, the order shall state that the application, license shall be reinstated upon presentation to the bureau of a subsequent statement of compliance.

(e) the secretary may also include in the order any other conditions necessary to comply with requirements for reapplication and re-issuance of licensure, including, but not limited to, requiring a surcharge fee of $50, in addition to any other applicable fees.

(6) right to a hearing: in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Licensing Act, Sections 61- 1-1, et seq., NMSA 1978, every applicant or person licensed, shall be afforded notice and opportunity for a hearing, before the department shall have authority to take action, the effect of which would be to deny permission to take an examination for licensure for which application has been duly made, or to deny, suspend, or revoke a certification or license, or take other disciplinary action; exception:
(a) right to expedited hearing for an immediate suspension of a person's license: the person whose license is immediately suspended may request a hearing before a hearing officer appointed by the secretary to contest the action, by mailing a certified return receipt letter addressed to the bureau within 20 days after service of the notice;

(b) expedited hearing for a person whose license has been immediately suspended upon receipt of a timely request for a hearing, the department shall appoint a hearing officer and schedule a hearing, in accordance with the hearings portion of this rule.

(7) records management: a licensing record is maintained for every licensed EMT in New Mexico; any request for records maintained by the bureau will be processed in accordance with the Inspection of Public Records Act; if the bureau begins a preliminary or formal investigation, a separate confidential record will be created containing all investigatory material;
(a) confidentiality: the commission and the bureau will take every precaution to insure that preliminary and formal investigations are conducted in a confidential manner; if the commission authorizes the bureau to initiate an action, all records not exempt from disclosure under the Inspection of Public Records Act, Sections 14-2-1, et seq., NMSA 1978, will be placed in the licensee's licensing record, if one exists;

(b) records confidentiality: any files or records in the possession of the bureau, a regional office or a provider containing identifying information about individuals requesting or receiving treatment or other health services and any unsubstantiated complaints received by the bureau regarding any provider shall be confidential and not subject to public inspection; such files, records and complaints may be subject to subpoena for use in any pending cause, in any administrative proceeding, or in any of the courts of this state, unless otherwise provided by state or federal law.

H. Enforcement of education standards:

(1) Process for non-compliance: The bureau will make every attempt to resolve non-compliance of education standards at the lowest level possible. The following process shall be utilized:
(a) the bureau will notify the approved New Mexico education program, in writing, of any suspected or reported non-compliance of education standards received by complaint, report or course trends;

(b) the approved New Mexico education program will provide a plan to correct items of noncompliance and will submit the plan to the bureau in writing within 30 days;

(c) the bureau will re-evaluate the plan and progress reports for compliance of the education standards in three month increments until the problem is resolved; and

(d) if the bureau determines that non-compliance has not been adequately resolved, the bureau may initiate an enforcement action against the education program or the licensed EMT who is an instructor-coordinator.

(2) Complaint/incident procedures: Any person may communicate a complaint or knowledge of an incident to the bureau. Complaints shall be submitted in signed written form to the bureau. The bureau may begin an investigation if there is sufficient cause.
(a) When a complaint is received by the bureau, written acknowledgment shall be made within 10 working days and the bureau staff shall decide whether or not a preliminary or formal investigation of the complaint shall be initiated.

(b) Approved New Mexico EMS education programs being formally investigated shall receive written notification within 10 working days after a decision is made to begin a formal investigation.

(c) At the conclusion of the bureau's formal investigation, the bureau may report its findings to the investigated education program in written form. If the bureau investigation warrants an enforcement action, the education program will be given a notice of contemplated action.

(d) If no investigation is warranted, the education program or person filing a complaint will be notified, as determined by the bureau.

(3) Investigations: The bureau shall normally conduct preliminary and formal investigations.
(a) Preliminary investigations: When the bureau receives information that forms the basis for an enforcement action, it shall begin a preliminary investigation. This is a fact finding, information gathering investigation that will attempt to determine for the bureau whether justification exists to initiate an action or to conduct a formal investigation.

(b) Formal investigations: Formal investigations are for the purpose of obtaining additional information to allow the bureau to determine if it will initiate an action. Notice will be given of the formal investigation, unless extenuating circumstances exist which would reasonably preclude notification.

(c) Confidentiality: The bureau will take every precaution to insure that preliminary and formal investigations are conducted in a confidential manner.

(d) Records: An official record is maintained for every approved New Mexico EMS education program. If the bureau begins a preliminary or formal investigation, a separate confidential record will be created containing all investigation material. If the bureau initiates an action, all records not exempt from disclosure under the Inspection of Public Records Act, Sections 14-2-1, et seq., NMSA 1978, will be placed in the education program's official record. Any request for records maintained by the bureau will be processed in accordance with the Inspection of Public Records Act.

(4) Grounds for enforcement actions: Enforcement actions may result in an action taken against an approved New Mexico EMS education program or an instructor-coordinator affiliated with the education program. These enforcement actions may result in the following actions:
(a) probation or suspension of the education program for a specified period of time;

(b) non-recognition of a education program course;

(c) withdrawal of approval status of a education program by the bureau;

(d) under 7.27.2.14 NMAC, a licensing action may be initiated against an instructor-coordinator when the bureau determines that there may be inappropriate conduct or negligence; grounds for enforcement actions include, but are not limited to the following:
(i) failure to comply with law or rules including but not limited to the failure to properly educate students on the licensure process; failure to comply with the education standards or non-compliance with a education standard found in these rules;

(ii) falsifying documents to include use of any false, fraudulent, or deceptive statement in any document;

(iii) failure to cooperate with an investigation to include failure to furnish the bureau with requested information, as provided by law;

(iv) failure of students or instructors to function within the approved New Mexico scopes of practice, New Mexico treatment guidelines and the drug formulary, as approved by the medical direction committee;

(v) failure to report required documentation including patient care data and annual education reports.

(5) Right to appeal: Any approved New Mexico EMS education program may appeal a decision by the bureau to take an enforcement action.

(6) Notice of contemplated action: When the bureau contemplates taking any action specified in this section, it shall serve upon the approved New Mexico EMS education program a written notice containing a statement of the grounds or subject upon which the proposed action is based and the rule(s) violated.

(7) Right to hearing: The approved New Mexico EMS education program may request a hearing before a hearing officer appointed by the secretary to contest the proposed enforcement action, by mailing a certified return receipt letter addressed to the bureau within 20 days after service of the notice.

(8) Hearing: Upon receipt of a timely request for a hearing, the department of health shall appoint a hearing officer and schedule a hearing, to be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, within 45 working days of receipt of the timely request for a hearing.

(9) Notice of hearing: The department shall notify the approved New Mexico EMS education program of the date, time, and place of the hearing, the identity of the hearing officer, and the subject matter of the hearing, not less than 30 days prior to the date of the hearing.

(10) Hearing officer duties: The hearing officer shall preside over the hearing, administer oaths, take evidence, decide evidentiary objections, and rule on any motions or other matters that arise prior to the hearing.

(11) Discovery: Upon written request to another party, any party is entitled to: obtain the names and addresses of witnesses who will or may be called by the other party to testify at the hearing; and inspect and copy any documents or items, which the other party will or may introduce in evidence at the hearing.

(12) Conduct of hearing: Hearings are open to the public unless either party makes a request for closed meeting.

(13) Hearing officer written report and recommendation(s): The hearing officer shall make a written report and recommendation(s) to the secretary containing a statement of the issues raised at the hearing proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, and a recommended determination. The hearing officer or designee shall record the hearing by means of a mechanical sound recording device provided by the department for a record of the hearing. The hearing officer written report shall be submitted to the secretary no later than 30 working days after the close of the hearing.

(14) Secretary's determination: The secretary shall render a final determination within 45 calendar days of the submission of the hearing officer's written report. A copy of the final decision shall be mailed to the appealing party by certified mail, return receipt requested. A copy shall be provided to legal counsel for the bureau.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New Mexico may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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