New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 8 - SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter 9 - EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE
Part 4 - CHILD CARE LICENSING; CHILD CARE CENTERS, OUT OF SCHOOL TIME PROGRAMS, FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES, AND OTHER EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Section 8.9.4.12 - LICENSING ACTIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS
Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
A. The licensing authority may revoke, suspend, or restrict a license, reduce star status, deny an initial or renewal license application, impose monetary sanctions pursuant to 7.1.8 NMAC, put in place conditions of operation, issue a cease and desist letter, impose other sanctions or requirements against a licensee, or reduce to a base level of child care assistance reimbursement a licensee who is in receipt of a higher than base level of child care assistance reimbursement, for any of the following reasons:
B. Commencement of an ECECD, CYFD or law enforcement investigation may be grounds for immediate suspension of licensure pending the outcome of the investigation. Upon receipt of the final results of the investigation, the department my take such further action as is supported by the investigation results.
C. A suspension, revocation, or conditions of operations imposed pursuant to Subsection A of this Section may take effect immediately if in the discretion of the department that the health, safety or welfare of a child is at risk, or has reason to believe that the caregiver cannot reasonably safeguard the health and safety of children.
D. The Early Childhood Education and Care Department notifies the licensee in writing of any action taken or contemplated against the license/licensee. The notification shall include the reasons for the department's action.
E. The licensee may obtain administrative review of any action taken or contemplated against the license/licensee.
F. The administrative review shall be conducted by a hearing officer appointed by the department's secretary.
G. If the action is to take effect immediately, the department affords the licensee the opportunity for an administrative appeal within five working days. If the license is suspended pending the results of an investigation, the licensee may elect to postpone the hearing until the investigation has been completed.
H. If after the imposition of an immediate suspension the department takes additional actions including additional suspension, revocation, or conditions of operations, the immediate action will stay in effect until the following action goes into effect or an appeal of the following action is concluded and the action is either upheld or overturned.
I. If the contemplated action does not take immediate effect, and the licensee is given advance notice of the contemplated action, the licensee is allowed 10 working days from date of notice to request an administrative appeal.
J. In circumstances in which Public Health Act, Subsection N of Section 24-1-5 NMSA 1978 (2005) may apply, and in which other provisions of this regulation are not adequate to protect children from imminent danger of abuse or neglect while in the care of a licensee, the provisions of Subsection N of Section 24-1-5 shall apply as follows.
K. The licensing authority may require a direct provider of care to undergo an additional background check if information shows any of the following:
L. There shall be no right to administrative review for reduction in star level resulting from loss of, or failure to maintain, national accreditation status. The licensee shall be bound by the rules, regulations, policies and procedures implemented by the national accreditation body that governs its accreditation process.
M. There shall be no right to an appeal or administrative review when the licensing authority issues a cease and desist letter; provided, however, that the licensee shall have the right to an appeal or administrative review of any subsequent action taken by the licensing authority as set forth herein.
N. The licensee shall notify the licensing authority within 48 hours of any adverse action by the national accreditation body against the licensee's national accreditation status, including but not limited to expiration, suspension, termination, revocation, denial, nonrenewal, lapse or other action that could affect its national accreditation status. The licensing authority shall reduce the star level of a provider granted national accreditation status by the department to star level 2 until the licensee regains national accreditation status, or until the facility can be verified at a level higher than star level 2. If a provider holding accreditation from an accrediting body no longer approved by ECECD fails to maintain these requirements, this will result in the provider reimbursement reverting to the base reimbursement rate. The provider may increase their star level only by meeting FOCUS criteria or by attaining ECECD approved national accreditation status. Child care subsidies shall be adjusted to correspond with any reductions or increases to star level.