New Mexico
Register / Volume XXXVI, Issue 24 / December 23, 2025
TITLE 16 OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
LICENSING
CHAPTER 12 NURSING AND HEALTH CARE RELATED PROVIDERS
PART 17 ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE
(APRN) LICENSURE
16.12.17.1 ISSUING AGENCY: New Mexico Board
of Nursing.
[16.12.2.1 NMAC - N, 1/1/2026]
16.12.17.2 SCOPE: This rule applies to all advanced practice registered nurses licensed in New Mexico who have a valid registered nurse license, or a valid
multi-state license privilege as
provided in the nurse licensure compact.
[16.12.2.2 NMAC - N,
1/1/2026]
16.12.17.3 STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Section 61-3-1 NMSA 1978 authorized the board of nursing to regulate the practice of nursing in the state.
[16.12.2.3 NMAC - N, 1/1/2026]
16.12.17.4 DURATION: Permanent.
[16.12.2.4 NMAC - N, 1/1/2026]
16.12.17.5 EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2026, unless a later date is cited at the end of a section.[16.12.2.5 NMAC - N, 1/1/2026]
16.12.17.6 OBJECTIVES: To promote, preserve and protect the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the state of New Mexico.
[16.12.17.6 NMAC - N, 1/1/2026]
16.12.17.7 DEFINITIONS: [RESERVED]
16.12.17.8 FEES: Payment of fees will be accepted in the form specified by the board. The initial license application fee will be for a period of one year, plus the months to the applicant’s birth month. Fees will be collected in full to commensurate with the length of the renewal period. Fees are not refundable.
A. Licensure by examination, expedited, or endorsement:
(1) Advanced practice:
CNP/CCNS/CRNA $100
(2) Licensure for military personnel, spouse, dependent, or veteran $0
B. License renewal:
(1) Advanced practice: CNP/CCNS/CRNA $110
(2) First renewal of license
for military personnel, spouse, dependent, or veteran $0
C. Inactive license renewal
(late renewal, lapsed
status, reactivation, reinstatement after board action)
includes renewal fee: advanced practice: CNP/CCNS/CRNA $200
D. Other Fees:
(1) Temporary license
CNP/CCNS/CRNA $60
(2) License verification $30
[16.12.17.8 NMAC - N, 1/1/2026]
(i) demographics,
including race, ethnicity and primary and other languages spoken;
(ii) practice status, including but not
limited to active practices in New Mexico and other locations; practice type,
practice settings, such as hospital, clinic or other clinical settings;
(iii) education, training and primary and
secondary specialties;
(iv) average hours worked per week, and the
average number of weeks worked per year in the licensed profession;
percentage
of practice engaged in direct patient care and in other activities, such as
teaching, research and administration in the licensed profession;
(v) practice plans for the next five
years, including retiring from the health care profession, moving out of state
or changing health care work hours.
(c) Failure to receive
notice of pending renewal shall not relieve the licensee of the responsibility
of renewing the license by the expiration date.
(d) If the license is
not renewed by the end of the renewal month, licensee does not hold a valid
license and shall not practice nursing in New Mexico until the lapsed licensed
has been reactivated.
(e) A
reactivation fee will be charged when the license has lapsed.
(f) Exception:
if renewing, nurses who are mobilized for active duty are not required to renew
their license while on active duty, other than training, during a military
action. A copy of the mobilization
orders must be submitted to the board office prior to the expiration of the
license. The license extension shall end
one month after deployment is concluded.
No reactivation fee will be charged when the license is renewed.
(3) Thirty hours of approved CE must be
accrued within the 24 months immediately preceding expiration of license. CE may be prorated to commensurate with the
length of the renewal period.
(a) Advanced practice registered nurses must submit a copy of valid APRN national
certification. The national
certification meets the requirement for RN and APRN continuing education.
(b) Exception:
if renewing, nurses mobilized for military action are not required to meet the
CE requirements while on active duty, other than training, during a military
action. A copy of the mobilization order
must be submitted along with the renewal application.
(4) Individuals who reside out-of-state
who do not hold primary residence in a nurse licensure compact state, but wish to
maintain a current, valid New Mexico license, must meet the same requirements
for licensure as licensees residing within the state who have declared New
Mexico as their primary residence.
(5) Penalty: failure of licensee to meet
the CE requirement for licensure shall result in the license not being renewed,
reinstated, or reactivated. When the CE
requirement has been met, an application for licensure may be submitted for
consideration.
(6) Licenses can be verified on the board
website or www.nursys.com.
(7) Individuals
who are reactivating an APRN license which has been lapsed for four or more
years must complete a refresher course that includes both a didactic and
clinical component designed to prepare a nurse who has been out of practice to
re-enter into practice.
(a) Applicants will follow the criminal background check
process required by the New Mexico department of public safety or its agent and
have a new criminal background check result approved.
(b) A temporary license will be issued
not to exceed six months unless the board of nursing approves an extension to
allow the individual to complete the refresher course clinical component. If documentation is not received by the board
verifying successful completion of the refresher course prior to the temporary
license expiration date, the individual will not be allowed to practice
nursing.
(c) Advanced practice registered nurses
who are reactivating an advanced practice license which has been lapsed for
four or more years must also complete a refresher course or certification
reactivation that is reflective of their specific advanced practice knowledge,
skills and expertise. A temporary
license will be issued not to exceed one year unless the board of nursing
approves an extension.
B. Reactivation/reinstatement
of a lapsed license must meet the requirements for re-licensure, to include a
background check if lapsed for over 90 days, pursuant to the Nursing Practice
Act and these rules. A reactivated or
reinstated license shall be valid for up to two years.
C. The board will collect a standardized core essential data
set as required in regulation for examinations and renewals which will be
entered into the internal licensing database at the board of nursing.
[16.12.17.9 NMAC - N,
1/1/2026]
16.12.17.10 CONTINUING EDUCATION:
A. Introduction:
(1) Pursuant to the provision of the Nursing Practice Act, the
board of nursing prescribes the following regulations establishing requirements
for CE to be met by the licensee to protect the health and well-being of the
citizens of New Mexico and to promote current nursing knowledge and practice.
(2) Philosophy of CE:
The members of the New Mexico board believe that CE is one of the most
important responsibilities of the nurse and is a lifelong process. The primary responsibility for CE rests with
the individual nurse. A diversity of
nursing-related learning activities is recommended to enhance the scope of
professional development.
B. Requirements
and rules:
(1) Records:
(a) All licensees must indicate
compliance with the CE required by these rules on the renewal application. All information must be completed as
requested.
(b) Licensees are responsible for
maintaining their own CE records and for keeping the certificates of
verification of attendance of CE activities for at least one year after the
license is renewed. Photocopies of certificates
must be submitted to the board office only if audited and requested.
(2) CE Audit:
(a) Continuing education records are
subject to audit by the board.
(b) Licensee may be subject to
disciplinary action by the board if non-compliant within 60 days of the first
notification of audit.
(c) When audited, CE
may be prorated to commensurate with the length of the renewal period.
C. Approved
continuing education: To be acceptable
in New Mexico, the CE activity must have been approved by a recognized approval
body and must enhance the licensee’s scope of professional development as
related to his/her activities in nursing.
The participant must receive a certificate of attendance which validates
the number of approved CE hours awarded, name of the participant, sponsoring
agency, approval body and date attended.
Correspondence courses, home-study programs, and online courses are acceptable,
if approved.
(1) Recognized approval bodies for CE for nurses.
(a) National or state recognized nursing
organizations.
(b) Other state boards of nursing.
(c) New Mexico board-approved local
monitoring systems.
(2) Other CE which may be accepted as approved CE for nurses:
(a) academic credit, computation: one
academic credit equals 15 contact hours;
(b) CE units (CEUs) or contact hours
awarded by CE divisions within educational institutions of higher learning;
(c) educational offerings approved
through other generally recognized health care or professional organizations as
related to licensee’s nursing practice.
D. Certification
or recertification in the advanced practice
registered nursing specialty is granted by a national professional
organization which uses criteria designed to recognize competence in a specialized
area of nursing practice may be used as an approved CE.
[16.12.17.10 NMAC - N,
1/1/2026]
16.12.17.11 STANDARDS OF NURSING PRACTICE:
A. The APRN based
on their registered status shall maintain individual competence in nursing
practice, recognizing, and accepting responsibility for individual actions and
judgments.
(1) Competent nursing practice requires that the advanced
practice registered nurse has the knowledge and skills to practice nursing
safely and properly in accordance with their licensure status and to perform
specific functions or procedures required in their particular area of
practice. Competent nursing practice
also requires that the advanced practice registered nurse has the knowledge to
recognize and respond to any complication(s) which may result from the function
or procedure the advanced practice registered nurse performs.
(2) To maintain the requisite knowledge and skills, the APRN
shall engage in CE specific to their national certification population foci.
(3) The APRN shall use individual competence as a criterion in
accepting assigned responsibilities.
(4) The APRN contributes to the formulation, interpretation,
implementation and evaluation of the objectives and policies to nursing
practice within their employment setting.
B. The
APRN shall assign/delegate to licensed and unlicensed persons only those
nursing actions which that person is prepared, qualified or licensed or
certified to perform.
(1) The APRN is accountable for assessing the situation and is
responsible for the decision to delegate or make the assignment.
(2) The delegating APRN is accountable for each activity
delegated, for supervising the delegated function or activity, and for
assessing the outcome of the delegated function or activity.
(3) The APRN may not delegate the specific functions of
nursing assessment, evaluation and nursing judgment to non-licensed persons.
C. The APRN shall have knowledge of the laws and rules governing nursing
and function within the
legal boundaries of nursing practice.
(1) The APRN must report incompetent and unprofessional
conduct to the appropriate authorities.
(2) The APRN must report violations of the Nursing Practice
Act and administrative rules of the board of nursing to the board of nursing.
D. The
APRN shall recognize the dignity and rights of others regardless of social or
economic status and personal attributes, shall conduct practice with respect
for human dignity, unrestricted by considerations of age, race, religion, sex,
sexual orientation, national origin, disability or nature of the
patient/client’s health problems.
E. The
APRN acts to safeguard the patient when their care and safety are affected by
incompetent, unethical, or illegal conduct of any person by reporting the
conduct to the appropriate authorities.
F. The
APRN safeguards the patient’s right to privacy by judiciously protecting
information of a confidential nature, sharing only that information relevant to
their care.
G. The
APRN shall identify themselves by name and licensure category and shall provide
their license number when requested. Additionally, this includes identification
of themselves based on their license as verified by the state or national
database. In a clinical setting , a nurse who has earned a doctoral degree may
use the title of doctor but must also simultaneously include their licensure
category and education.
H. Standards
for professional advanced practice registered nurse practice. APRNs practice in accordance with the definition
of professional registered nursing in the NPA.
Subsection J of Section 61-3-3 NMSA 1978.
(1) APRNs may assume specific functions and perform specific
procedures which are beyond their formal APRN nursing preparation of a
particular population foci Subsection J of Section 61-3-3 NMSA 1978 provided
the knowledge and skills required to perform the function and procedure
emanates from a recognized body of knowledge and practice of nursing, and the
function or procedure is not prohibited by any law or statute:
(a) emerging functions and procedures
that do not emanate from a nursing body of knowledge will require national
certification from a recognized body to denote mastery and assess competency as
the APRN is recognized as being certified;
(b) certificates of course completion are
not evidence of mastery nor evidence of competency.
(2) When assuming specific functions and performing specific
procedures, which are beyond the APRNs educational preparation, the APRN is
responsible for obtaining the appropriate knowledge, skills and supervision to
assure they can perform the function/procedure safely and competently:
(a) administration of medication for the
purposes of moderate sedation and analgesia requires particular attention;
(b) an APRN shall possess specialized
nursing knowledge, judgment, skill and current clinical competence to manage
the nursing care of the patient receiving moderate sedation including:
(i) being currently trained with
demonstrated proficiency in age- appropriate advanced life support, including
but not limited to; advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), Pediatric advanced
life support (PALS), Neonatal resuscitation program (NRP);
(ii) knowledge of anatomy, physiology,
pharmacology, cardiac arrhythmia recognition, oxygen delivery, respiratory
physiology, transport and uptake and the use of an oxygen mask, bag-valve mask,
oral airway, nasal airway adjunct, or the maintenance of a supraglottic airway,
or endotracheal tube;
(iii) ability to recognize emergency
situations and institute emergency procedures as appropriate to the patient
condition and circumstance.
(c) To
perform moderate sedation
an APRN:
(i) shall
not have other responsibilities during or after the procedure that would
compromise the advanced practice nurse’s ability to adequately monitor the
patient during moderate sedation/analgesia;
(ii) shall assess the physical setting for
safe administration of medications for sedation and proceed only if the
resources needed for reasonable anticipated emergencies are available;
(iii) shall ensure that a qualified airway
specialist is immediately available during and after the procedure for
respiratory emergencies. Immediately available meaning being present in the
facility, in the vicinity of the care being administered, and not otherwise
engaged in any other uninterruptible procedure or task:
(iv) a qualified airway specialist is
trained in and maintains a current competency in endotracheal intubation, such
as but not limited to a CRNA, anesthesiologist, emergency physician, paramedic,
respiratory therapist or a flight team registered nurse;
(v) shall decline to administer
medications classified as sedatives or other medication if the APRN assesses
the administration of sedatives or other medication would be unsafe under the
circumstances;
(vi) shall maintain adequate oxygenation
and ventilation via an appropriate method.
(e) Administration of anesthesia is
restricted to an anesthesia provider; pursuant to
Section
61-3-6 NMSA 1978.
H. Educational program criteria. Educational programs preparing the APRN
to perform specific functions
and procedures that are beyond the basic APRN educational preparations should:
(1) prepare the APRN to safely and properly perform
the function and procedures;
(2) prepare the APRN to recognize and respond to any complication(s) which may result
from the procedure, and;
(3) verify the APRN’s knowledge
and the ability to perform
the specific functions
and procedures.
I. Prescribing and treating oneself,
family, or intimate friends:
(1) Good clinical practice indicates that APRNs should not treat
themselves, members of their own families, or intimate friends. In extenuating circumstances, (excluding
controlled substances), it may be acceptable to do so for a limited time:
(a) In emergency situations or isolated
situations where no other qualified provider is available, APRNs should not
hesitate to treat themselves or family members until another provider becomes
available.
(b) In urgent situations, such as a rural
setting, where there is no other qualified provider available, this decision is
not one of convenience, but necessity.
(c) In minor situations, for a short
term, addressing problems that do not require controlled substances.
(2) Prescribing of controlled substances should be avoided:
(a) Standards of good clinical practice
must be maintained. Accepted clinical
standards include:
(b) The APRN prescribes within the
population/setting/foci of their
education/certification/experience/training.
(c) The clinical care provided must
follow accepted standards and protocols.
(d) A complete history and physical
examination with required documentation in the patient’s healthcare record.
(e) The patient’s primary care provider
should also be notified at the earliest opportunity of such intervention to
ensure continuity of care.
(3) Aside from these limited circumstances, it is strongly
recommended that clinical care only be sought from an independent, objective
provider.
[16.12.17.11 NMAC - N,
1/1/2026]
16.12.17.12 ADVANCED REGISTERED NURSING PRACTICE
AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:
A. The nurse remains accountable for decisions, actions,
and intervention derived from or involving artificial intelligence (AI) and is
responsible for maintaining the standards of APRN practice.
(1) AI shall be considered a decision-support tool. It may augment, but must not replace, the
clinical reasoning and judgment of the APRN.
(2) The APRN must demonstrate a basic understanding of AI
technologies they use and an awareness that there may be inherent biases.
[16.12.17.12
NMAC - N, 1/1/2026]
16.12.17.13 ADVANCED
PRACTICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
A. The board may appoint an APRN
advisory committee to assist the board in regulating the advanced practice of
nursing.
B. The committee shall assist and advise the board as
requested in the review of issues related to the advanced practice of nursing.
C. The committee shall be composed of APRN representatives
regulated by the board: CNP, CCNS, and CRNA licensees, representing diversity f
roles, settings and geographic regions.
[16.12.17.13 NMAC - N, 1/1/2026]
16.12.17.14 CERTIFIED NURSE PRACTITIONER (CNP):
A. Requirements for licensure
of nurse practitioners:
(1) Hold
a current, unencumbered RN license from New Mexico or hold a compact
multi-state RN license.
(2) Successfully complete a graduate level nursing program
designed for the education and preparation of nurse practitioners as providers
of primary, or acute, chronic, or long-term, or end of life health care.
(a) The program must be offered through
an accredited institution of higher education or through the armed services.
(b) If the applicant is initially
licensed by any board of nursing including the New Mexico board of nursing
after January 1, 2001 the program must be at the master’s in nursing level or
higher.
(3) Applicants who do not hold a master’s level or higher
degree from a nurse practitioner program and were initially licensed by any
board before January 1, 2001, must provide verification of NP licensure.
(a) The educational documentation shall
verify the date of graduation, credentials conferred and number of supervised
clinical hours as a nurse practitioner in the education program.
(b) The educational documents must
reflect successful completion of graduate degree courses.
(c) Additional population foci can be
added with transcripts from an accredited institution and a current national
nurse practitioner certification.
(e) Multiple national certifications will be maintained under a single
APRN license.
(4) Provide
evidence of successful accomplishment of national certification as a nurse
practitioner. Only national
certification based on competency examination will be accepted for the APRN
licensure.
(5) It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide
documented evidence of their qualifications for licensure.
(6) Applicants who meet the minimum didactic and pharmacology
requirements, but lack the required preceptorship, may be considered for
licensure in New Mexico if the applicant provides satisfactory evidence of two
years nurse practitioner experience in another jurisdiction.
(7) Nurse practitioners who will be requesting prescriptive
authority must also comply with the requirements for prescriptive authority as
outlined in these rules.
B. Procedure
for licensure as a graduate nurse practitioner.
The applicant seeking licensure as a nurse practitioner shall be
responsible for providing proof of meeting the requirements for licensure.
(1) The applicant shall complete the New Mexico nurse
practitioner licensure application and submit it along with all required
documents in accordance with the instructions.
(2) Upon acceptance of the completed application and receipt
of all required supporting documents, the file is reviewed for qualifications
and compliance with the requirements.
(3) Applicants who do not meet the requirements for licensure
may request or be requested to meet with the board or its designee.
(4) Nurse practitioners are not eligible to practice in New
Mexico as a certified nurse practitioner until so licensed in accordance with
the licensure procedures.
(5) The board may appoint nurse practitioners to the advanced
practice advisory committee. These nurse practitioners will provide advice
regarding licensure and practice of nurse practitioners.
C. Graduate nurse practitioners (GNP) permit-to-practice may be issued,
upon written request, provided all requirements have
been met except national nursing certification.
(1) GNPs must practice under the direct supervision of a New
Mexico licensed provider in the relevant specialty.
(2) GNPs may prescribe medications only under the direct
supervision of a licensed CNP, CNS or a physician, in compliance with these
rules. GNPs must fulfill the
requirements in this section to prescribe controlled substances.
(3) GNP permits will be issued to the employer.
(4) A letter of verification of intent to employ, on official
letterhead including the name of the practice supervisor and the name of the
prescription supervisor, is required from each employer. Upon change in employment, the new employer
must send the board a letter of intent to employ. The board will then issue a permit to
practice at the new place of employment.
The permit will be issued directly to the new employment agency.
(5) The name of the employment institution and the name(s) of
the supervisor(s) shall be indicated on the GNP permit.
(6) GNP permits cannot be transferred or renewed.
(7) GNP permits expire on the date specified on the
permit. Permits shall be valid not to
exceed six months after the date of the national certifying examination. Those who fail the national certifying examination
are rendered ineligible to practice as a GNP.
It is the responsibility of the GNP to request that the national
certifying organization notify the board of nursing of the results of the
examination.
D. An
initial license to practice as a CNP shall be issued only after receiving proof
of national certification. Such proof
must be submitted to the board directly from the certifying agency prior to the
expiration of the permit or temporary license.
E. Expedited
licensure for CNP’s:
(1) The board will issue an expedited license to a qualified
applicant based on prior licensure in an eligible jurisdiction other than New
Mexico upon an applicant’s submission of a complete application containing all
of the following:
(a) a completed and signed application
form;
(b) proof of current licensure in an
eligible jurisdiction;
(c) proof of good standing for the
license held by the applicant in an eligible jurisdiction;
(d) submission of fingerprints and other
information necessary for a state and national background check; and
(e) payment of the required
application fee.
(2) 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 Paragraph (1) of Subsection E of 16.12.17.14 NMAC including
documentation from third parties.
(3) Upon submission of a complete application, the board’s
staff shall process the application and issue the expedited license to the
applicant within 30 days unless the applicant has a disqualifying criminal
conviction, or the board may have other cause to deny the application pursuant
to Section 61-3-28 NMSA 1978.
(4) If the applicant has a disqualifying criminal conviction
or the board may have other cause to deny the application pursuant to Section
61-3-28 NMSA 1978:
(a) the license may not be issued within
30 days of submission of the complete application;
(b) the matter of the applicant’s
application shall be submitted to the board for consideration and action at its
next available regular meeting; and
(c) the board may vote to grant the
application or refer the matter to its administrative prosecutor contemplating
the ultimate denial of the application as provided by the board’s rules.
(5) Renewal of expedited
licenses:
(a) A licensee holding an expedited
license may apply for license renewal beginning 60 days prior to expiration of
the expedited license, as provided by the board’s rules.
(b) Upon renewal, an expedited license
shall become a regular single-state license.
(6) Eligible and ineligible jurisdictions:
(a) The board will accept expedited
license applications on the basis of prior licensure
in any jurisdiction within the United States except the following:
(i) Michigan, on the grounds that this
jurisdiction does not participate in t he
coordinated licensure system for the purposes of discipline; and
(ii) Puerto Rico, on the grounds that this
jurisdiction does not participate in
the coordinated licensure system.
(b) The board will accept expedited
license applications on the basis of prior licensure in the following
jurisdictions outside the United States: Canada.
F. Qualifications for licensure
as CNP are pursuant to the Nursing
Practice Act:
(1) Refer to Subsection A of 16.12.2.12
NMAC for licensure requirements.
(2) Disciplinary action taken or pending
against a nursing license in another jurisdiction, or a conviction of a felony,
may result in denial of a license.
G. An initial nurse practitioner license shall be valid
until the last day of the applicant’s birth month after the first anniversary
of the initial license. For nurses from
compact states, an NM advanced practice license will be issued with the same
expiration date as the RN compact license. A letter of authorization will be
issued to NPs who have RN multi-state licensure privileges from another nurse
licensure compact state. Official verification to practice is located on the
board website.
H. If the licensure process is not completed, the
application becomes null and void 12 months after the date of application being
received at the board.
I. Authorization
to expand the scope of practice or who need recertification.
(1) A letter of authorization will be
issued for the CNPs who through additional formal education have expanded their
practice into another area of NP practice or who need practice hours to
recertify provided all requirements have been met except national certification.
(2) A letter of verification of
intent to provide a preceptorship, on official letterhead including the name of
the practice preceptor and the name of the prescription preceptor must be
submitted to the board of nursing.
(3) Practice must be under the direct
supervision of a physician or licensed New Mexico CNP or CCNS in the specialty.
(4) Prescribing may be done only
under the direct supervision of a licensed CNP or CCNS or a physician in
compliance with these rules.
(5) A letter of authorization will be
issued to the preceptor.
(6) A letter of authorization cannot
be transferred, renewed or a duplicate issued.
(7) A letter of authorization will
expire on the date specified.
(a) A letter of authorization shall
be valid not to exceed six months after the date of the national certifying
examination. Those who fail the national
certifying examination are rendered ineligible to practice in that area. It is
the responsibility of the CNP to request that the national certifying
organization notify the board of the results of the examination. A letter of authorization may be valid for a
period not to exceed two years.
(b) A letter of authorization shall
be valid for six months for those applicants recertifying.
(c) A letter of authorization shall
be issued for the prescriptive authority preceptorship. This letter will only be valid for the
duration of the preceptorship expansion of scope of practice or recertification
required hours of practice.
J. Maintaining licensure as a nurse practitioner:
(1) National certification: NPs must
maintain national certification. A copy
of the specialty certification/recertification card shall be presented at the
time of each subsequent renewal. Nurse
practitioners licensed by the NM board, after December 2, 1985, are required to
be nationally certified in their specialty.
(2) Continuing education:
(a) A CNP with DEA registration at
any time during their most recent renewal period shall obtain five contact
hours in the management of non-cancer pain, in addition to submitting a valid
national certification as an APRN.
(b) A CNP without DEA must submit a
valid national certification as an APRN.
K. Reactivation: To reactivate or reinstate licensure as
a nurse practitioner, the nurse must provide evidence of meeting the CE
requirements.
(1) NPs licensed by the board after
December 2, 1985 must also provide evidence of current national certification.
(2) CNPs who are reactivating an
advanced practice license which has been lapsed for four or more years must
also complete a refresher course or certification reactivation that is
reflective of their knowledge skills and expertise. A temporary license will be issued not to
exceed one year, unless the board of nursing approves an extension.
L. Nurse practitioner practice:
(1) The CNP makes independent
decisions regarding the health care needs of the client and also makes
independent decisions in carrying out health care regimens.
(2) The CNP provides primary or
acute, or chronic, or long-term, or end of life health care to meet the health
care needs of individuals, families and communities in any health care setting.
(3) The CNP may assume specific
functions or perform specific procedures which are beyond the advanced
educational preparation and certification for the CNP provided the knowledge
and skills required to perform the function or procedure emanates from a recognized
body of knowledge or advanced practice of nursing and the function or procedure
is not prohibited by any law or statute.
When assuming specific functions and performing specific procedures,
which are beyond the CNP’s advanced educational preparation and certification,
the CNP is responsible for obtaining the appropriate knowledge, skills, and
supervision to ensure he/she can perform the function/procedure safely and
competently and recognize and respond to any complications that may arise.
(4) The CNP collaborates as necessary
with other healthcare providers.
Collaboration includes discussion of diagnosis and cooperation in
managing and delivering healthcare.
(5) CNPs who have fulfilled
requirements for prescriptive authority may prescribe and distribute dangerous
drugs including controlled substances contained in Schedules II through V of
the Controlled Substances Act within their clinical specialty and practice
setting.
(a) Requirements for prescriptive
authority: In accordance with applicable
state and federal laws, the CNP who fulfills the following requirements may
prescribe and distribute dangerous drugs including controlled substances
included in Schedules II through V of the Controlled Substance Act.
(i) Verifies 400 hours of work
experience in which prescribing dangerous drugs has occurred within the two
years immediately preceding the date of the application. Individuals who have not fulfilled this
requirement must provide documentation of successful completion of 400 hours of
prescribing dangerous drugs in a preceptorship with a licensed CNP, CCNS or
physician. The preceptorship must be
completed within six months, and a letter of authorization will be issued for
the duration of the preceptorship.
(ii) In order to prescribe controlled substances,
the CNP must provide the board of nursing with verification of current
state-controlled substances registration and current DEA number, unless the CNP
has met registration waiver criteria from the New Mexico board of pharmacy as
provided under Subsection I of 16.19.20.8 NMAC. CNPs may not possess, prescribe
or distribute controlled substances until they have both a current
state-controlled substances registration and a current DEA registration.
(iii) Once prescriptive authority
requirements are met, the board will notify the board of pharmacy of completion
of prescriptive authority requirements.
Prescription
records: written, verbal or electronic prescriptions and orders will comply
with state board of pharmacy and federal requirements. All prescriptions will include the name,
title, address, and phone number of the prescribing advanced practice
registered nurse.
(b) Distributing: CNPs, who have
fulfilled requirements for prescriptive authority as stated in these rules, and
defined by the board of pharmacy may distribute to their patients dangerous
drugs including controlled substances contained in Schedules II through V of
the Controlled Substances Act, which have been prepared, packaged, or
fabricated by the registered pharmacist or doses which have been pre-packaged
by a pharmaceutical manufacturer in accordance with the Pharmacy Act Section
61-11-12 NMSA 1978 and the Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act for the benefit of the
public good.
(c) Labeling: CNPs may label only
those drugs which the CNP prescribes and distributes to patients under the
CNP’s care. The medication shall be
properly labeled with the patient’s name, date of issue, drug name and strength,
instructions for use, drug expiration date, number dispensed and name, address,
and telephone number of the CNP. Labeling may be handwritten, or a pre-printed
fill-in label may be used. All information shall be properly documented in the
patient record.
(d) CNPs who do not plan to prescribe
controlled substances but do plan to prescribe dangerous drugs must meet the
requirements relative to prescriptive authority except those specifically
required for controlled substances.
(e) CNPs may prescribe, provide
samples of, and dispense any dangerous drug to a patient where there is a valid
practitioner-patient relationship as defined in 16.12.2.7 NMAC.
(6) Graduate nurse practitioner (GNP) practice:
(a) GNPs may not distribute
medications.
(b) GNPs may prescribe medications
only under the direct supervision of a licensed CNP, CNS or physician in the
specialty.
(7) To ensure competency and safe
practice in specific regard to prescription writing practices in the state of
NM:
(a) a list of current CNPs and their
status regarding prescriptive authority shall be distributed at least annually
and upon request to the board of pharmacy;
(b) violation of these rules or
disciplinary action taken by the board of nursing regarding controlled
substances shall be reported to the board of pharmacy;
(c) the board of nursing shall appoint
qualified CNPs in each specialty to serve on the board of pharmacy disciplinary
panel as requested by the board of pharmacy.
M. Supervision of psychologists in the prescribing of
psychotropic medication by a certified nurse practitioner, pursuant
to Section 61-3-23.5
NMSA 1978 and the Professional Psychologist Act (Section
61-9-1 et. seq. NMSA 1978).
(1) A CNP may provide supervision to a
psychologist in the prescribing of psychotropic medication providing the CNP:
(a) holds a valid, unencumbered NM license as a CNP;
(b) holds a national certification as
a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. An individual who holds a
certification as a CNP conferred by a national nursing certification
organization that is not an approved certification listed above may petition the
board and request approval of the certification. The board shall review the petition and
determine whether the certification and the petitioner’s clinical practice
experience sufficiently substantiate adequate education, didactic and clinical
preparedness, and other factors that establish competency. The decision of the board is discretionary
and shall not be subject to review or binding on any future petition.
(c) has a minimum of two years of
experience prescribing as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner
(d) is not currently participating in
any board of nursing’s alternative to discipline program, diversion program;
(e) is able to meet all requirements
to serve as an independently licensed prescribing clinician as laid out in the
Professional Psychologist Act (Section 61-9 NMSA 1978) and 16.22 NMAC; and
(f) performing the supervision is
within the scope of practice of the CNP.
(2) Reporting obligations to the New
Mexico board of nursing by a CNP providing supervision to a psychologist in the
prescribing of psychotropic medication:
(a) within 15 days of entering into
the supervising relationship with each psychologist being supervised. The
notification shall consist of:
(i) the name and license number of the
psychologist;
(ii) the date of entry into the
supervising relationship;
(iii) the anticipated end of the
supervising relationship.
(b) within 15 days of severing the
supervisory relationship with a psychologist. The notification shall consist
of:
(i) the name and license number of
the psychologist;
(ii) the date of the end of the supervising
relationship.
(3) A CNP who provides supervision to
a psychologist in the prescribing of psychotropic medication must follow the
Professional Psychologist Act (Section 61-9 NMSA 1978) and rules promulgated by
the New Mexico board of psychologist examiners.
[16.12.17.14 NMAC - N, 1/1/2026]
16.12.17.15 CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST (CRNA):
A. Requirements for licensure as a CRNA:
(1) Hold a current, unencumbered RN license
from New Mexico or hold a compact multi-state RN license.
(2) Successfully complete a formal
program designed for the education and preparation of certified registered
nurse anesthetist. The COA council on
accreditation of nurse anesthesia educational programs must accredit the
program.
(3) If the applicant is initially
licensed by any board of nursing including the New Mexico board of nursing
after January 1, 2001, the program must be at the master’s level or
higher. Applicants who do not hold a
master’s or higher degree from a nurse anesthetist program and were initially
licensed by any board before January 2, 2001, must provide verification of CRNA
licensure.
(4) Provide evidence of successful
completion of a national certification examination as described by the NBCRNA.
(5) It is the responsibility of the
applicant to provide documented evidence of their qualification for licensure.
(6) Applicants who will be requesting
prescriptive authority must also comply with the requirements for prescriptive
authority as outlined in these rules.
B. Procedure for licensure as a graduate. The applicant seeking licensure as a
certified registered nurse anesthetist shall be responsible for providing proof
of meeting the requirements for licensure.
(1) The applicant shall complete the
New Mexico certified registered nurse anesthetist licensure application and
submit it along with all required documents, and fee in accordance with the
instructions.
(2) Upon acceptance of the completed
application and receipt of all required supporting documents, the file is
reviewed for qualifications and compliance with the requirements.
(3) Applicants who do not meet the
requirements for licensure may request or be requested to meet with the board
or its designee.
(4) Certified registered nurse
anesthetists are not eligible to practice in New Mexico as certified registered
nurse anesthetist until so licensed in accordance with the licensure
procedures.
(5) The board may appoint certified
registered nurse anesthetists to the advanced practice committee. These nurse
anesthetists will provide advice regarding licensure and practice of certified
registered nurse anesthetists.
C Graduate registered nurse anesthetist
permit-to-practice may be issued, upon written request, provided all
requirements have been met except NBCRNA certification.
(1) A permit may be issued following
graduation from an approved school of nurse anesthesia to afford the applicant
the opportunity for employment pending dissemination of the national qualifying
examination results by NBCRNA.
(2) GRNAs must function in an
interdependent role as a member of a health care team and practice at the
direction of and in collaboration with a licensed provider.
(3) GRNAs may prescribe and
administer medications only in collaboration with a health care provider in
compliance with these rules.
(4) GRNAs permits will be issued to
the employer(s).
(5) A letter of verification of
intent to employ, on official letterhead including the name of the practice
supervisor(s) and name of prescription supervisor(s), is required from each
employer. Upon change in employment, the
new employer must send the board a letter of intent to employ. The board will then issue a permit to
practice for the new place of employment.
The permit will be issued directly to the new employment agency.
(6) The name of the employment
institution and the name(s) of the supervisor(s) shall be indicated on the GRNA
permit.
(7) GRNA permits cannot be transferred
or renewed.
(8) GRNA permits expire on the date
specified on the permit.
(a) Permits shall be valid for
approximately 12 months subsequent to the date of graduation from the nurse
anesthesia program.
(b) Written proof of application to
write the national qualifying exam must be received in the board office within
12 weeks of graduation from the nurse anesthesia program.
(c) Verification that the applicant
wrote the national qualifying examination must be received in the board office
within three weeks after the date of the examination.
(d) Failure of applicant to write the
scheduled qualifying examination or if the exam is failed, will render the
applicant ineligible to practice anesthesia in New Mexico and the employer must
immediately return the permit-to-permit to the board office. It is the responsibility of the GRNA to
request that the national certifying organization notify the board of the
results of the examination.
(9) A license to practice as a CRNA shall
be issued only after receipt by the board of proof of NBCRNA certification.
Such proof must be submitted to the board by the certifying agency.
D. Expedited licensure for CRNA’s:
(1) The board will issue an expedited
license to a qualified applicant based on prior licensure in an eligible
jurisdiction other than New Mexico upon an applicant’s submission of a complete
application containing all the following:
(a) a completed and signed
application form;
(b) proof of current licensure in an
eligible jurisdiction;
(c) proof of good standing for the
license held by the applicant in an eligible jurisdiction;
(d) submission of fingerprints and
other information necessary for a state and national background check; and
(e) payment of the required
application fee.
(2) An expedited license application
shall not be deemed complete until the applicant has submitted, and the board’s
staff is in receipt of all the materials required.
(3) Upon submission of a complete
application, the board’s staff shall process the application and issue the
expedited license to the applicant within 30 days unless the applicant has a
disqualifying criminal conviction, or the board may have other cause to deny
the application pursuant to Section 61-3-28 NMSA 1978.
(4) If the applicant has a
disqualifying criminal conviction or the board may have other cause to deny the
application pursuant to Section 61-3-28 NMSA 1978:
(a) The license may not be issued
within 30 days of submission of the complete application;
(b) The matter of the applicant’s
application shall be submitted to the board for consideration and action at its
next available regular meeting; and
(c) The board may vote to grant the
application or refer the matter to its administrative prosecutor contemplating
the ultimate denial of the application as provided by the board’s rules.
(2) Renewal of expedited licenses:
(a) A licensee holding an expedited
license may apply for license renewal beginning 60 days prior to expiration of
the expedited license, as provided by the board’s rules.
(b) Upon renewal, an expedited
license shall become a regular single-state license.
(3) Eligible and Ineligible
Jurisdictions:
(a) The board will accept expedited license
applications based on prior licensure in any jurisdiction within the United
States except the following:
(i) Michigan, on the grounds that
this jurisdiction does not participate in the coordinated licensure system for
the purposes of discipline; and
(ii) Puerto Rico, on the grounds that
this jurisdiction does not participate in the coordinated licensure system.
(b) The board will accept expedited
license applications based on prior licensure in the following jurisdictions
outside the United States: Canada.
E. Qualifications for licensure as a CRNA are pursuant
to the Nursing Practice Act.
(1) Refer to Subsection A of
16.12.17.14 NMAC for licensure requirements.
(2) Disciplinary action taken or pending
against a nursing license in another jurisdiction, or a conviction of a felony,
may result in denial of a license.
F. An initial certified registered nurse anesthetist
license shall be valid until the last day of the applicant’s birth month after
the first anniversary of the initial license.
For nurses from compact states, a New Mexico advanced practice license
will be issued with the same expiration date as the compact RN license. A letter of authorization will be issued to
CRNAs who have RN multi-state licensure privileges from another nurse licensure
compact states. Official verification of
authorization to practice is available through the board website.
G. If the licensure process is not completed, the
application becomes null and void six months after the date received at the
board of nursing.
H. Maintaining licensure as a certified registered nurse
anesthetist.
(1) National certification: CRNAs
must maintain NBCRNA. A copy of the
recertification card must be presented at the time of each subsequent renewal.
(2) Continuing education:
recertification by NBCRNA is accepted for meeting mandatory CE requirements.
CRNAs with a DEA registration, at any time during their most recent renewal,
period shall obtain five contact hours in the management of non-cancer pain.
I. Reactivation: to reactivate or reinstate licensure
as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
(1) The nurse must provide evidence
of current recertification by the NBCRNA.
(2) CRNAs who are reactivating an
advanced practice license which has been lapsed for four or more years must
also complete a refresher course or certification reactivation that is
reflective of their knowledge, skills and expertise. A temporary license will
be issued not to exceed one year, unless the board of nursing approves an
extension.
J. Certified registered nurse anesthetist practice:
(1) The CRNA provides pre-operative,
intra-operative and post-operative anesthesia care and related services,
including ordering of diagnostic tests, in accordance with the current American
Association of nurse anesthesiology (AANA) guidelines for nurse anesthesia
practice.
(2) Certified registered nurse
anesthetists shall function in either an independent role or in collaboration
with other health care providers in accordance with the policies of a health
care facility. As used in this subsection,
"collaboration" means the process in which each health care provider
contributes the health care provider's respective expertise. As used in this subsection, "independent
role" means performing any action, including determining, preparing,
administering or monitoring anesthesia care or anesthesia-related services,
without the supervision of another health care provider.
(3) The CRNA may assume specific
functions or perform specific procedures which are beyond the advanced
educational preparation and certification for the CRNA provided the knowledge
and skills required to perform the function or procedure emanates from a recognized
body of knowledge or advanced practice of nursing and the function or procedure
is not prohibited by any law or statute.
When assuming specific functions or performing specific procedures,
which are beyond the CRNA’s advanced educational preparation and certification,
the CRNA is responsible for obtaining the appropriate knowledge, skills, and
supervision to ensure he/she can perform the function/procedure safely and
competently and recognize and respond to any complications that may arise.
(4) CRNAs who have fulfilled
requirements for prescriptive authority may prescribe and administer
therapeutic measures, including dangerous drugs and controlled substances
included in Schedules II through V of the Controlled Substances Act within the
specialty of anesthesia and practice setting.
(a) Requirements for prescriptive
authority: in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, the CRNA who
fulfills the following requirements may prescribe and administer dangerous
drugs including controlled substances included in Schedules II through V of the
Controlled Substance Act.
(i) Verifies 400 hours of work
experience in which prescribing and administering dangerous drugs has occurred
within the two years immediately preceding the date of the application. Individuals who have not fulfilled this
requirement must provide documentation of successful completion of 400 hours of
prescribing dangerous drugs in a preceptorship with a CRNA or physician. The preceptorship must be completed within
six months, and a letter of authorization will be issued for the duration of
the preceptorship.
(ii) In order to prescribe controlled
substances, the CRNA must provide the board of nursing with verification of
current state-controlled substances registration and current drug enforcement
administration (DEA) number, unless the CRNA has met registration waiver
criteria from the New Mexico board of pharmacy (Subsection I of 16.19.20.8
NMAC). CRNAs may not possess or prescribe controlled substances until they have
both a current state-controlled substances registration and a current DEA
registration.
(iii) Once prescriptive authority
requirements are met, the board will notify the board of pharmacy of completion
of prescriptive authority requirements.
(b) Formulary: It is the CRNA’s
responsibility to maintain a formulary of dangerous drugs and controlled
substances that may be prescribed. The
only drugs to be included in the formulary are those relevant to the CRNA’s
area of specialty practice, scope of practice and clinical setting. The board of nursing reserves the right to
audit the formulary. Licensees may be
subject to disciplinary action by the board of nursing if non-compliant with
the audit.
(c) All CRNAs must submit a formulary
on the approved template provided by the board of nursing developed in
collaboration with the New Mexico medical board.
(d) Prescription records: written,
verbal or electronic prescriptions and order will
comply
with the state board of pharmacy and federal requirements. All prescriptions will include the name,
title, address and phone number of the prescribing advanced practice registered
nurse.
(e) Prescribing and
administering: CRNAs who have fulfilled
requirements for prescriptive authority as stated in these rules as defined by
the board of pharmacy may prescribe and administer to their patients dangerous
drugs including controlled substances contained in Schedules II through V of
the Controlled Substances Act, which have been prepared, packaged or fabricated
by a registered pharmacist or doses or drugs that have been prepackaged by a
pharmaceutical manufacturer in accordance with the Pharmacy Act Section
61-11-22 NMSA 1978 and the New Mexico Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act for the
benefit of the public good.
(f) Distributing: CRNAs who have
fulfilled requirements for prescriptive authority as stated in these rules may
not distribute to their patients dangerous drugs including controlled
substances contained in Schedules II through V of the Controlled Substances Act.
(g) CRNAs who do not plan to
prescribe controlled substances but do plan to prescribe dangerous drugs must
meet the requirements relative to prescriptive authority except those
specifically required for controlled substances.
(5) Graduate registered nurse
anesthetist practice:
(a) GRNAs may NOT distribute
medications.
(b) GRNAs may practice or
prescribe/administer medications only in collaboration with a health care
provider.
(6) To ensure competency and safe
practice in specific regard to prescription writing practices in the state of
NM.
(a) A list of current CRNAs and their
status regarding prescriptive authority shall be distributed upon request to
the board of pharmacy.
(b) Violation of these rules or
disciplinary action taken by the board of nursing regarding controlled
substances shall be reported to the board of pharmacy.
(c) The board of nursing shall appoint a
qualified CRNAs to serve on the board of pharmacy disciplinary panel as
requested by the board of pharmacy.
K. A CRNA business entity formed
pursuant to the laws of the state of New Mexico is authorized to provide health
care services in the state of New Mexico if the health care services are
provided by persons who are duly licensed to engage in the practice of nursing
pursuant to the provisions of the Nursing Practice Act.
[16.12.17.15 NMAC - N,
1/1/2026]
16.12.17.16 CERTIFIED CLINICAL NURSE
SPECIALIST (CCNS):
A. Requirements for licensure as CCNS:
(1) hold a current, unencumbered RN license
from New Mexico or hold a compact multi-state RN license;
(2) successfully complete a clinical
nurse specialist program at the master’s or doctoral level in a defined
clinical nursing specialty through an accredited institution of higher
education; and
(a) the educational documents must
reflect successful completion of graduate degree courses;
(b) additional population foci can be
added with transcripts from an accredited institution and a current national
certification;
(3) provide evidence of successful
accomplishment of certification by a national nursing organization, consistent
with the defined clinical nursing specialty, which meets criteria as listed
below:
(a) successfully complete a national
certifying examination in the applicant’s area of specialty;
(b) is certified by a national
nursing organization.
(4) it is the responsibility of the
applicant to provide documented evidence of their qualifications for licensure;
(5) any CCNS requesting
prescriptive authority must also comply with the regulations for prescriptive
authority as outlined in these rules.
B. Procedure for licensure as a graduate CCNS:
(1) applicants seeking licensure as a
CCNS
shall be responsible for providing proof of meeting the requirements for
licensure;
(2) The applicant shall complete the
New Mexico CCNS application and submit it along with all requested documents
and associated fee in accordance with the instructions;
(3) Upon acceptance of the completed
application and receipt of all required supporting documents, the file is
reviewed for qualifications and compliance with the requirements;
(4) Applicants who do not meet the
requirements for licensure may request or be requested to meet with the board
or their designee;
(5) CCNS’s are
not eligible to practice in New Mexico as a CCNS until so licensed by the New Mexico
board in accordance with licensure procedures;
(6) The board may appoint CCNSs
to the advanced practice committee.
These CCNSs will provide advice regarding the
licensure and practice of the CCNS.
C. Graduate clinical nurse specialist (GCNS) permit to
practice:
(1) GCNS permits may be issued upon written
request, provided all requirements have been met except certification by a
national nursing organization.
(a) GCNSs practice under the direct
supervision of another licensed provider
in the specialty.
(b) GCNSs may prescribe medications
only under the direct supervision of a licensed CCNS, CNP or physician
in compliance with these rules.
(c) GCNS permits will be issued to
the employer.
(d) A letter of verification of
intent to employ, on official letterhead including the name of the practice
supervisor and the name of the prescription supervisor is required from each
employer. Upon change in employment, the
new employer must send the board a letter of intent to employ. The board will then issue a permit to
practice at the new place of employment.
The permit will be issued directly to the new employing agency.
(e) The name of the employment
institution and the name(s) of the supervisor(s) shall be indicated on the GCNS
permit.
(f) GCNS permits cannot be
transferred or renewed.
(g) GCNS permits expire on the date
specified on the permit. Permits shall
be valid not to exceed six months after the date of the national certifying
examination. Those who fail the national
certifying examination are rendered ineligible to practice as a GCNS. It is the responsibility of the GCNS to
request that the national certifying organization notify the board of the
results of the examination.
(2) An initial license to practice as
a CCNS
shall be issued only after receipt by the board of proof of certification by a
national nursing organization. Such
proof must be submitted to the board directly from the certifying agency prior
to the expiration of the permit or temporary license.
D. Expedited licensure for CCNS’s:
(1) The board will issue an expedited
license to a qualified applicant based on prior licensure in an eligible
jurisdiction other than New Mexico upon an applicant’s submission of a complete
application containing all the following:
(a) a completed and signed
application form;
(b) proof of current licensure in an
eligible jurisdiction;
(c) proof of good standing for the
license held by the applicant in an eligible jurisdiction;
(d) submission of fingerprints and
other information necessary for a state and national background check; and
(e) payment of the required
application fee.
(2) 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 Paragraph (1) of
Subsection D of 16.12.2.14 NMAC, including documentation from third parties.
(3) Upon submission of a complete
application, the board’s staff shall process the application and issue the
expedited license to the applicant within 30 days unless the applicant has a
disqualifying criminal conviction, or the board may have other cause to deny
the application pursuant to Section 61-3-28 NMSA 1978.
(4) If the applicant has a
disqualifying criminal conviction or the board may have other cause to deny the
application pursuant to Section 61-3-28 NMSA 1978:
(a) the license may not be issued
within 30 days of submission of the complete application;
(b) the matter of the applicant’s
application shall be submitted to the board for consideration and action at its
next available regular meeting; and
(c) the board may vote to grant the
application or refer the matter to its administrative prosecutor contemplating
the ultimate denial of the application as provided by the board’s rules.
(5) Renewal of expedited licenses:
(a) A licensee holding an expedited
license may apply for license renewal beginning 60 days prior to expiration of
the expedited license, as provided by the board’s rules.
(b) Upon renewal, an expedited
license shall become a regular single-state license.
(6) Eligible and Ineligible
Jurisdictions:
(a) The board will accept expedited
license applications based on prior licensure in any jurisdiction within the
United States except the following:
(i) Michigan, on the grounds that
this jurisdiction does not participate in the coordinated licensure system for
the purposes of discipline; and
(ii) Puerto Rico, on the grounds that
this jurisdiction does not participate in the coordinated licensure system.
(b) The board will accept expedited
license applications based on prior licensure in the following jurisdictions
outside the United States: Canada.
E. Qualifications for licensure as a CCNS
are pursuant to the Nursing Practice Act.
(1) Refer to Subsection A of
16.12.2.14 NMAC for licensure requirements.
(2) Disciplinary action taken or
pending against a nursing license in another jurisdiction, or a conviction of a
felony, may result in denial of a license.
F. An initial clinical nurse specialist license shall be
valid until the last day of the applicant’s birth month after the first
anniversary of the initial license. For
nurses from compact states, a New Mexico advanced practice license will be
issued with the same expiration date as the compact license. A letter of authorization will be issued to CCNSs
who have RN multi-state licensure privilege from another nurse licensure
compact state. Official verification to practice is located on the board
website.
G. If the licensure
process is not completed, the application becomes null and void one year after
the date of application being received at the board.
H. Authorization to expand the scope of practice or who
need recertification.
(1) A letter of authorization will be
issued for the CCNSs who through additional formal
education have expanded their practice into another area of CCNS
practice or who need practice hours to recertify provided all requirements have
been met except national certification.
(2) A letter of verification of
intent to provide a preceptorship, on official letterhead including the name of
the practice preceptor and the name of the prescription preceptor must be
submitted to the board of nursing.
(3) Practice must be under the direct
supervision of a New Mexico CCNS or CNP or physician in the specialty.
(4) Prescribing may be done only
under the direct supervision of a licensed CCNS or CNP or a physician in compliance
with these rules.
(5) A letter of authorization will be
issued to the preceptor.
(6) A letter of authorization cannot be
transferred, renewed or a duplicate issued.
(7) A letter of authorization will
expire on the date specified.
(a) A letter of authorization shall
be valid not to exceed six months after the date of the national certifying
examination. Those who fail the national
certifying examination are rendered ineligible to practice in that area. It is
the responsibility of the CCNS to request that the national certifying
organization notify the board of the results of the examination. A letter of authorization may be valid for a
period not to exceed two years.
(b) A letter of authorization will be
valid for six months for those applicants to be recertified.
(c) A letter of authorization shall
be issued for the prescriptive authority preceptorship. This letter will only be valid for the
duration of the preceptorship for expansion of scope of practice or
recertification required hours of practice.
I. Maintaining licensure as a clinical nurse
specialist:
(1) The CCNS must be
nationally certified in the specialty by a nursing organization.
(2) The CCNS must maintain a current,
valid national certification at all times during the active licensure period.
(3) A copy of the specialty
certification/recertification card shall be presented at the time of each
subsequent renewal.
(4) Continuing education:
(a) A CCNS with DEA
registration at any time during their most recent renewal period shall obtain
five contact hours in the management of non-cancer pain.
(b) A CCNS without the DEA must submit a valid
national certification as an APRN.
(c) Certification or recertification
granted by a national professional organization which uses criteria designed to
recognize competence in a specialized area of nursing practice be used as an
approved CE.
(5) Reactivation:
(a) To reactivate or reinstate
licensure as a CCNS, the nurse must provide evidence of meeting
the CE requirements: evidence of current national certification must also be
provided.
(b) CCNSs who are
reactivating an advanced practice license which has been lapsed for four or
more years must also complete a refresher course or certification reactivation
that is reflective of their knowledge, skills and expertise. A temporary license will be issued not to
exceed one year, unless the board of nursing approves an extension.
J. Certified Clinical nurse specialist practice:
(1) The CCNS is a nurse who
through graduate level preparation has become an expert in a defined area of
knowledge and practice in a selected clinical area of nursing.
(2) The CCNS makes independent
decisions in a specialized area of nursing practice, using knowledge about the
health care needs of the individual, family and community. The CCNS collaborates as necessary with other
members of the health care team, when the needs are beyond the scope of
practice of the CCNS.
(3) The CCNS may assume
specific functions or perform specific procedures which are beyond the advanced
educational preparation and certification for the CCNS provided the
knowledge and skills required to perform the function or procedure emanates
from a recognized body of knowledge or advanced practice of nursing and the
function or procedure is not prohibited by any law or statute. When assuming specific functions or
performing specific procedures, which are beyond the CCNS’s advanced
educational preparation and certification, the CCNS is responsible
for obtaining the appropriate knowledge, skills and supervision to assure the CCNS
can perform the function/procedure safely and competently and recognize and
respond to any complications that may arise.
(4) Carries out therapeutic regimens in
the area of the specialty.
(5) The CCNS who has fulfilled
the requirements for prescriptive authority in the specialty area may prescribe
and distribute therapeutic measures including dangerous drugs and controlled
substances contained in Schedules II through V of the Controlled Substance Act
within the scope of the specialty practice and setting.
(a) Requirements for prescriptive
authority: In accordance with applicable
state and federal laws, the CCNS who fulfills the following requirements
may prescribe and distribute dangerous drugs including controlled substances
included in Schedules II through V of the Controlled Substance Act:
(i) verifies 400 hours of work
experience in which prescribing dangerous drugs has occurred within the two
years immediately preceding the date of application and provide a copy of a
transcript documenting successful completion of the a three credit hour pharmacology
course, a three credit hour assessment course and a three credit hour
pathophysiology course included as part of a graduate level advanced practice
nursing education program; 45 contact hours of advanced level pharmacology
continuing education course may be substituted for the academic pharmacology; a
certificate of completion must be provided that verifies continuing education;
or
(ii) if 400 hours of work experience
in which prescribing dangerous drugs cannot be verified, provide a copy of a
transcript documenting successful completion of a three credit hour
pharmacology course that is included as part of a graduate level advanced practice
nursing education program within five years immediately prior to the date of
application to the board; 45 contact hours of advanced level pharmacology
continuing education course may be substituted for the academic pharmacology; a
certificate of completion must be provided that verifies continuing education;
the course must be related to the specialty and contain content in
pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacology of current/commonly used
medications and application of drug therapy to the treatment of disease or the
promotion of health; and
(iii) provide a copy of a transcript
documenting successful completion of a three credit hour assessment course that
is included as part of a graduate level advanced practice nursing education
program; the course must be related to the specialty and include content
supported by related clinical experience such that students gain knowledge and
skills needed to perform comprehensive assessments to acquire date, make
diagnoses of health status and formulate effective clinical management plans;
and
(iv) provide a copy of a transcript
documenting successful completion of a three credit hour pathophysiology course
that is included as part of a graduate level advanced practice nursing
education program; the course must be related to the specialty and include
content in physiology and pathophysiology;
(v) provide a copy of a transcript
documenting successful completion of a 400 hour university/college associated
preceptor experience in the prescription of dangerous drugs within the two
years immediately prior to the date of application to the board; or
(vi) after fulfilling ii, iii, and iv
above, upon application to the board, a letter of authorization for a
prescriptive authority preceptorship will be issued to complete a
preceptorship, which must be completed within six months;
(vii) in order to prescribe controlled
substances, the CCNS must provide the board of nursing with
verification of current state controlled substances registration and current
DEA number, unless the CCNS with prescriptive authority has met
registration waiver criteria from the New Mexico board of pharmacy; CCNS
s may not possess, prescribe or distribute controlled substances until they
have both a current state controlled substances registration and a current DEA
registration;
(viii) once prescriptive authority
requirements are met, the board will notify the board of pharmacy of completion
of prescriptive authority requirements.
(b) Prescription records: written, verbal or electronic prescriptions
and orders will comply with state board of pharmacy and federal
requirements. All prescriptions will
include the name, title, address and phone number of the prescribing advanced
practice registered nurse.
(c) Distributing: CCNS s who have
fulfilled requirements for prescriptive authority as stated in these rules, may
distribute to their patients dangerous drugs including controlled substances
contained in Schedules II through V of the Controlled Substance Act, which have
been prepared, packaged, or fabricated by the registered pharmacist or doses
which have been pre-packaged by a pharmaceutical manufacturer in accordance
with the Pharmacy Act and the Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act for the benefit of
the public good.
(d) Labeling: CCNS s may label only
those drugs which the CCNS prescribes and distributes to patients
under the CCNS’s care. The medication shall be properly labeled with the
patient’s name, date of issue, drug name and strength, instructions for use,
drug expiration date, telephone number of the CCNS. Labeling may be handwritten, or a
pre-printed fill-in label may be used.
All information shall be properly documented in the patient record.
(e) CCNSs who do not plan to prescribe
controlled substances but do plan to prescribe dangerous drugs must meet the
requirements relative to prescriptive authority except those specifically
required for controlled substances.
(6) Graduate clinical nurse
specialist (GCNS) practice.
(a) GCNSs may not distribute
medications.
(b) GCNSs may practice or prescribe medications
only under the direct supervision of a licensed CCNS, CNP or physician
in the specialty.
(7) To ensure competency and safe
practice in specific regard to prescription writing practices in the state of
NM:
(a) a list of current CCNSs
and their status with regard to prescription writing shall be distributed upon
request to the board of pharmacy;
(b) violation of these rules or
disciplinary action taken by the board of nursing with regard to controlled
substances shall be reported to the board of pharmacy;
(c) the board of nursing shall appoint
qualified CCNSs in each specialty to serve on the board of pharmacy
disciplinary panel as requested by the board of pharmacy.
K. Supervision of psychologists in the prescribing of
psychotropic medication by a clinical nurse specialist, pursuant to Section
61-3-23.5 NMSA 1978 and the Professional Psychologist Act (Section 61-9-1 et.
seq. NMSA 1978).
(1) A CCNS may provide
supervision to a psychologist in the prescribing of psychotropic medication
provided the CCNS:
(a) holds a valid, unencumbered NM
license as a CCNS;
(b) holds a national certification as
a psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist. An individual who holds a certification as a CCNS
conferred by a national nursing certification organization that is not an
approved certification listed above may petition the board and request approval
of the certification. The board shall
review the petition and determine whether the certification and the
petitioner’s clinical practice experience sufficiently substantiate adequate
education, didactic and clinical preparedness, and other factors that establish
competency. The decision of the board is
discretionary and shall not be subject to review or binding on any future
petition.
(c
) has a minimum of two years
of experience prescribing as a psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse
specialist;
(d) is not currently participating in
any board of nursing’s alternative to discipline program, diversion program;
(e) is able to meet all requirements
to serve as an independently licensed prescribing clinician as laid out in the
Professional Psychologist Act (Section 61-9 NMSA 1978) and 16.22 NMAC; and
(f) performing the supervision is
within the scope of practice of the CCNS.
(2) Reporting obligations to the New
Mexico board of nursing by a CCNS providing supervision to a psychologist
in the prescribing of psychotropic medication:
(a) within 15 days of entering into
the supervising relationship with each psychologist being supervised. The
notification shall consist of:
(i) the name and license
number of the psychologist;
(ii) the date of entry into the supervising relationship;
(iii) the anticipated end of the supervising relationship.
(b) within 15 days of severing the
supervisory relationship with a psychologist. The notification shall consist
of:
(i) the name and license number of
the psychologist
(ii) the date of the end of the
supervising relationship.
(3) A CCNS who provides supervision to a
psychologist in the prescribing of psychotropic medication must follow the
Professional Psychologist Act (Section 61-9 NMSA 1978) and rules promulgated by
the New Mexico board of psychologist examiners.
[16.12.17.16 NMAC - N,
1/1/2026]
16.12.17.17 EXPEDITED LICENSURE FOR MILITARY SERVICE
MEMBERS AND VETERANS:
A. The board will issue an expedited license to an
applicant who is a military service member or veteran based on prior licensure
in a jurisdiction other than New Mexico upon the applicant’s submission of a
complete application containing all of the following:
(1) a completed and signed
application form;
(2) proof of current licensure in
another jurisdiction;
(3) proof of good standing for the
applicant’s out of state license;
(4) submission of fingerprints and
other information necessary for a state and national background check; and
(5) 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): a copy of DD 214 showing proof of 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 Subsection A, including documentation from
third parties.
C. Upon submission of a complete application, the
board’s staff shall process the application according to licensing protocol and
issue the expedited license to the applicant within 30 days unless the
applicant has a disqualifying criminal conviction, or the board may have other
cause to deny the application pursuant to Section 61-3-28 NMSA 1978.
D. If the applicant has a disqualifying criminal
conviction or the board may have other cause to deny the application pursuant
to Section 61-3-28 NMSA 1978:
(1) the license may not be issued
within 30 days of submission of the complete application;
(2) the matter of the applicant’s
application shall be submitted to the board for consideration and action at its
next available regular meeting; and
(3) the board may vote to grant the
application or refer the matter to its administrative prosecutor contemplating
the ultimate denial of the application as provided by the board’s rules.
E. Duration of expedited licenses:
(1) The first licensure period will
be for up to one year from the issuance of the license, with the expiration
being correlated to the last day of the applicant’s birth month, according to
licensing processes. Continuing education will be prorated.
(2) The first renewal period will be
for two years from the date of the first expiration date of the first licensure
period.
(3) A licensee holding an expedited
license may apply for license renewal in the manner provided by the board’s
rules. If the licensee holding an
expedited license was not required by the licensee’s original jurisdiction
outside of New Mexico to pass the NCLEX, the licensee shall be required to take
and pass the NCLEX as a prerequisite to the renewal of the expedited license.
(4) Upon renewal, an expedited
license shall become a regular single state license.
(5) If the military expedited
licensure holder requests a multistate RN or LPN license, all requirements of
the nurse licensure compact must be met, including completion of another
background check. The fee for a multistate
license will not be waived.
F. Military service members and veterans shall not pay,
and the board shall not charge a licensing fee for the first three years for a
license issued pursuant to this rule.
[16.12.2.17 NMAC - N, 1/1/2026]
History of 16.12.2 NMAC -
[RESERVED]