New Mexico Register / Volume XXXVI, Issue 14 / July 29, 2025

 

 

TITLE 16            OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING

CHAPTER 10    MEDICINE AND SURGERY PRACTITIONERS

PART 25             LICENSURE BY EXAMINATION, EXPEDITED RECIPROCITY, EXPEDITED LICENSURE MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS, TEMPORARY LICENSURE, AND EMERGENCY LICENSURE

 

16.10.25.1            ISSUING AGENCY:  New Mexico Medical Board hereafter called the board, with the recommendations of the podiatry advisory committee, hereafter called the committee.

[16.10.25.1 NMAC - Rp/E, 16.21.3.1 NMAC 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.2            SCOPE:  Applicants for licensure as a podiatric physician.

[16.10.25.2 NMAC - Rp/E, 16.21.3.2 NMAC 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.3            STATUTORY AUTHORITY:  Podiatry Act, Section 61-8-6 through 61-8-9, and 61-8-14, NMSA and the Medical Practice Act, Sections 61-6-1 through 61-6-35 NMSA 1978.

[16.10.25.3 NMAC - Rp/E, 16.21.3.3 NMAC 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.4            DURATION:  Permanent.

[16.10.25.4 NMAC - Rp/E, 16.21.3.4 NMAC 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.5            EFFECTIVE DATE:  July 29, 2025, unless a later date is cited at the end of a section.

[16.10.25.5 NMAC - Rp/E, 16.21.3.5 NMAC 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.6            OBJECTIVE:  This part lists the requirements and documentation, which must be submitted to the board to obtain licensure as a podiatric physician.

[16.10.25.6 NMAC - Rp/E, 16.21.3.6 NMAC 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.7            DEFINITIONS:

               A.           “APMLE” means American podiatric medical licensing examination.

               B.           “Background findings” the board may deny, or otherwise limit a license if it is determined the applicant hold or has held a license in another jurisdiction that is not in good standing, if proceedings are pending against the applicant in another jurisdiction, or information is received indicating the applicant is of danger to patients or is guilty of violating any of the provisions of the Podiatric Act, the Uniform Licensing Act, Impaired Health Care Providers Act.  The results of the background check must either indicate no negative findings, or if there are negative findings, those findings will be considered by the board.  The board may formally accept the approval of the application at the next scheduled meeting.

               C.           “Complaint/review committee” means a committee established by the board to review all complaints and applicants with background findings and to report to the board at its next scheduled meeting.

               D.           “CPME” means the council on podiatric medical education.

               E.           “Eligible jurisdiction” means:

                              (1)          any state or territory of the United States except those included in the list of disapproved licensing jurisdictions in of 16.21.4.8 NMAC; and

                              (2)          any foreign country included in16.21.4.9 NMAC.

               F.            “Emergency” for purposes of this rule means any sudden or unforeseen situation that requires immediate action.  The sudden onset of physical or mental illness, injury, impairment, or other incapacitating condition by a New Mexico licensed podiatrist is considered an emergency.

               G.           “Expedited license by reciprocity” means a provisional license that confers the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as a regular license issued by the board.

               H.           “Fellowship” the period of medical training a podiatrist may undertake after completing residency.

               I.            “Good standing” means a license or registration is active and not expired, suspended, revoked, surrendered, conditioned, or otherwise in a status that in any manner restricts the activity of a licensee or registrant under the authority of the license.

               J.            “Jurisprudence exam” means an examination concerning the laws and rules of the New Mexico medical board and the Podiatry Act.

               K.           “Jurisdiction” has the same meaning as defined in Subsection F of Section 61-1-2 NMSA 1978.

               L.           “Military service member” has the same meaning as defined in Paragraph (2) of Subsection E of Section 61-1-34 NMSA 1978.

               M.          “NBPME” means the national board of podiatric medical examiners.

               N.           “Preceptorship” a period of practical experience and training for a podiatric medical school or college that is not defined as a residency program approved by the council podiatric medical education (CPME) and supervised by a New Mexico licensed podiatric physician.

               O.           “Qualified applicant” means an applicant who:

                              (1)          holds a current license in good standing in another jurisdiction, provided that an applicant who is not a military service member or veteran must hold a current license in good standing in an eligible jurisdiction.

                              (2)          does not have a disqualifying criminal conviction, as defined in the board’s rules; and

                              (3)          is not subject to pending disciplinary action in New Mexico.

               P.            “Veteran” has the same meaning as defined in Paragraph (3) of Subsection E of 61-1-34 NMSA 1978.

[16.10.25.7 NMAC - Rp/E, 16.21.3.7 NMAC 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.8            REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LICENSEES:  Each applicant for licensure as a podiatric physician shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant:

               A.           has reached the age of maturity. (Note statute states majority);

               B.           has graduated and been awarded a doctor of podiatric medicine degree from a college of podiatric

medicine accredited by the American podiatric medical association council on podiatric medical education; and

               C.           has completed, at a minimum, a one-year residency program at a hospital accredited by the American podiatric medical association council on education;

               D.           has completed an application under oath on forms supplied by the board with a signature and a passport quality photo taken within the past six months; applications are valid for one year from the date of receipt shall pay the required fees;

               E.           The board may designate a professional background information service, which compiles background information regarding an applicant from multiple sources.  Each applicant for a license by examination must submit the required fees and following documentation:

[16.10.25.8 NMAC - Rp/E, 16.21.3.8 NMAC 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.9            LICENSURE BY EXAMINATION:  An applicant for licensure by examination shall submit evidence to the board that the applicant has passed the examinations administered by the national board of podiatry medical examiners for students graduating from colleges of podiatry and shall furnish the board an official transcript and take clinical and written examinations as the board deems necessary.  The examinations shall be in English and the subjects covered by the examinations shall be determined by the board and taken from subjects taught in accredited colleges of podiatric medicine.  No applicant for licensure by examination shall be licensed who has not received a passing score on all board-approved examinations.

16.10.25.9 NMAC - N, 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.10          DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS:

               A.           official transcripts from the school of podiatric medicine or college, to be sent directly to the board office from the accredited program;

               B.           certificate or letter from residency director verifying completion of residency program approved by the CPME and has completed, at a minimum, a one-year residency program at a hospital accredited by the American podiatric medical association council on education residency program;

               C.           proof that the applicant has passed the NBPME examinations sent directly from the NBPME;

               D.           verification of licensure in all states where the applicant holds or has held a license to practice podiatry, or other health care profession; verification from the other state(s) must be received electronically, and must attest to the status, issue date, license number, and other information contained in the form; and

               E.           electronic signatures will be acceptable for applications submitted pursuant to Section 14-16-1 through Section 14-16-19 NMSA 1978.

[16.10.25.10 NMAC - Rp/E, 16.21.3.9 NMAC 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.11          EXPEDITED LICENSURE BY RECIPROCITY:

               A.           A candidate for expedited licensure by reciprocity under Section 61-1-31.1 NMSA 1978 of the Uniform Licensing Act must submit to the board a complete application containing all the following:

                              (1)          proof of current licensure in an eligible jurisdiction as defined in these rules;

                              (2)          certificate of good standing for the license held by the applicant in an eligible jurisdiction;

                              (3)          official transcripts from the school of podiatric medicine or college, to be sent directly to the board office from the accredited program;

                              (4)          certificate or letter from residence director verifying completion of residence program approved by the CPME;

                              (5)          proof of active practice for the three consecutive years immediately preceding the date of application (such proof may include a letter from an accountant, the professional society, tax forms, or other documentation approved by the board);

               B.           An expedited license application shall not be deemed complete until the applicant has submitted, and the board’s staff is in receipt of, all of the materials required by 16.10.3.11 NMAC, including documentation from third parties.

               C.           Upon receipt of a complete application, the board’s staff shall process the application and issue the expedited license to a qualified applicant within 30 days.

               D.           If the applicant has a disqualifying criminal conviction or the board may have other cause to deny the application pursuant to Section 61-8-11 NMSA 1978:

                              (1)          the matter of the applicant’s application shall be submitted to the board for consideration and action at its next available regular meeting;

                              (2)          the license may not be issued within 30 days of submission of the complete application; and

                              (3)          the board may vote to grant the application or refer the matter to its administrative prosecutor for denial of the application as provided by the board’s rules.

[16.10.25.11 NMAC - N, 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.12          LIST OF DISAPPROVED LICENSING JURISDICTIONS; REASONS.  Applicants licensed in the following states and territories of the United States shall not be eligible for expedited licensure by reciprocity under Section 61-8-9 NMSA 1978 of the Podiatry Act:

               A.           American Samoa, on the grounds that the board cannot determine the education or examination requirements in this jurisdiction;

               B.           Guam, on the grounds that this jurisdiction does not require licensees to pass any examination;

               C.           Kentucky and Pennsylvania, on the grounds that these jurisdictions do not require licensees to complete a residency program;

               D.           Minnesota, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico, on the grounds that these jurisdictions do not require licensees to pass Part III of the NBPME AMPLE exam considered by New Mexico to be an integral portion of the national examinations to determine competency to practice podiatry;

               E.           Montana, North Carolina and North Dakota, on the grounds that the boards cannot determine sufficiency of residency requirements in these jurisdictions; and

               F.            Virgin Islands, on the grounds that the board cannot determine the examination requirements in this jurisdiction.

[16.10.25.12 NMAC - N, 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.13          LIST OF APPROVED FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS.  Applicants licensed in the following foreign countries outside of the United States may be eligible for expedited licensure under Section 61-8-9 NMSA 1978 of the Podiatry Act:

               A.           Spain; and

               B.           Canada.

[16.10.25.13 NMAC - N, 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.14          EXPEDITED LICENSURE APPLICATION FOR MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS:

               A.           A candidate for expedited licensure by reciprocity under Section 61-1-34 NMSA 1978 must submit to the board a complete application containing all of the following:

                              (1)          a completed and signed application form;

                              (2)          proof of current license in another jurisdiction;

                              (3)          certificate of good standing for the license held by the applicant in another jurisdiction, including a branch of the United States armed forces;

                              (4)          submission of the following documentation:

                                             (a)          for military service member: a copy of military orders;

                                             (b)          for spouse of military service members: copy of military service member’s military orders, and copy of marriage license;

                                             (c)          for spouses of deceased military service members: copy of decedent’s DD 214 and copy of marriage license;

                                             (d)          for dependent children of military service members: a copy of military service member’s orders listing dependent child, or a copy of military orders and one of the following; a copy of birth certificate, military service member’s federal tax return or other governmental or judicial documentation establishing dependency;

                                             (e)          for veterans (retired or separated): proof of honorable discharge such as a copy of DD 214, DD 215, DD 256, DD 257, NGB Form 22, Military ID card, a driver’s license or state ID card with a veterans designation, or other documentation as provided by a governmental entity verifying an honorable discharge.

               B.           An expedited license application shall not be deemed complete until the applicant has submitted, and the board’s staff is in receipt of all of the materials required by 16.21.4.20 NMAC, including documentation from third parties.

               C.           Upon receipt of a complete application, the board’s staff shall process the application and issue the expedited license to a qualified applicant within 30 days.

               D.           If the applicant has a disqualifying criminal conviction or the board may have other cause to deny the application pursuant to Section 61-8-11 NMSA 1978:

                              (1)          the matter of the applicant’s application shall be submitted to the board for consideration and action at its next available regular meeting;

                              (2)          the license may not be issued within 30 days of submission of the complete application; and

                              (3)          the board may vote to grant the application or refer the matter to its administrative prosecutor for denial of the application as provided by the board’s rules.

               E.           A military service member or veteran who is issued an expedited license shall not be charged a licensing fee for the first three years of licensure with the board.

[16.10.3.14 NMAC - N, 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.15          TEMPORARY LICENSE:  A temporary license may be issued by the board in the following situations.

               A.           In cases of emergency as determined by the board; a temporary license to practice as a podiatric physician may be issued under this rule for practice in the office of a New Mexico licensed podiatrist who is unable to continue his or her practice due to an emergency.

               B.           To facilitate educational programs; a temporary license to practice podiatry in New Mexico may be issued to:

                              (1)          a participant in a residency training program located in New Mexico accredited by the “CPME” and insure that at all times throughout the program the temporary license holder is supervised by a New Mexico licensed podiatrist; or

                              (2)          a participant in a residency program that is located in the United States accredited by the “CPME” and insure that at all times the temporary license holder is supervised by a New Mexico licensed podiatrist, if the program offers part of its program residency in New Mexico;

                              (3)          a participant in a post-graduate one year preceptorship program in New Mexico that at all times throughout the program is supervised by a New Mexico licensed podiatrist(s) in good standing and without restriction(s) of license; the board requires the supervising podiatrist(s) of this preceptorship to have notified the board in writing of the start and end dates for this post-graduate training position;

                              (4)          a participant in a Fellowship program known and listed by a recognized medical specialty organization provided that at all times the temporary license holder is supervised by a New Mexico Licensed podiatrist.

               C.           In cases to assist or perform surgical procedures with a licensed New Mexico podiatrist which is beyond the training and experience available in New Mexico

[16.10.25.15 NMAC - N, 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.16          TEMPORARY LICENSE DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS:  Each applicant for a temporary license must submit the required fees and submit or provide for the following documentation set forth in 16.10.3.8 NMAC.

[16.10.25.16 NMAC - N, 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.17          DISASTER RELATED LICENSE:  Podiatric physician currently licensed and in good standing, or otherwise meeting the requirements for New Mexico licensure, in a state in which a disaster has been declared by federal authorities, may apply for a license in New Mexico during the four months following the date the disaster was declared, at no cost.

[16.10.25.17 NMAC - N, 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.18          DISASTER RELATED LICENSE DOCUMENTION REQUIREMENTS:  Nothing in this section shall constitute a waiver of the requirements for licensure contained in 16.10.3.8 NMAC.  Upon receipt of a completed application, including all required documentation designee of the board will review and may approve the application.  The results of the background check must either indicate no negative findings, or if there are negative findings, those findings will be reviewed by the complaint/review committee.  The board may formally accept the recommendation of the complaint/review committee at the next scheduled meeting.

[16.10.25.18 NMAC - N, 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.19          REPORTS:  The board requires obtainment of reports from the national practitioners data bank or other national reporting organization and the federation of podiatric medical boards disciplinary data bank.

[16.10.25.19 NMAC - Rp/E, 16.21.10 NMAC 7/29/2025]

 

16.10.25.20          LICENSURE PROCEDURE:  Upon receipt of a completed application, including all required documentation and fees, the designee of the board will review and may approve the application.  The results of the background check must either indicate no negative findings, or if there are negative findings, those findings will be considered by the board.  The board may ratify the approval of the application at the next scheduled board meeting.  Any application which cannot be approved by the designee of the board will be reviewed by the board at the next scheduled meeting.

[16.10.25.20 NMAC - Rp/E, 16.21.3.11 NMAC 7/29/2025]

 

HISTORY of 16.21.3 NMAC:

Pre-NMAC History:

The material in this part was derived from that previously filed with the commission of public records - state records center and archives:

Rule II, Initial Application for License, filed 7/21/1980;

Rule II, Initial Application for License, filed 8/18/1989;

Rule II, Initial Application for License, filed 11/29/1990;

Rule II, Initial Application for License, filed 12/10/1990;

Rule V, Examinations, filed 9/11/1989.

 

History of the Repealed Material:

16 NMAC 21.3, Podiatry - Application for License by Examination, repealed 10/15/2004.

16.21.3 NMAC, Podiatrists - License by Exam filed 9/15/2004, Repealed effective 5/3/2019.

16.21.3 NMAC, Podiatrists - License by Exam filed 4/3/2019, Repealed effective 7/29/2025.

 

Other History:

Rule II, Initial Application for License (filed 12/10/1990) was renumbered, reformatted and replaced by 16 NMAC 21.3, Podiatry - Application for License By Examination, effective 7/1/1996.

Rule V, Examinations, (filed 9/11/1989) and 16 NMAC 21.3, Podiatry - Application for License by Examination (filed 6/17/1996) were replaced by 16.21.3 NMAC, License by Exam, effective 10/15/2004.

16.21.3 NMAC, Podiatrists - License by Exam filed 9/15/2004 was Replaced by 16.21.3 NMAC, Podiatrists - License by Exam effective 5/3/2019.

16.21.3 NMAC, Podiatrists - License by Exam filed 4/3/2019 was replaced by 16.10.25 NMAC, Medicine And Surgery Practitioners - Licensure By Examination, Expedited Reciprocity, Expedited Licensure Military Service Members And Veterans, Temporary Licensure, And Emergency Licensure effective 7/29/2025.