Provisions For Physician Licensure During A Declared Disaster

The board will make accommodations for physicians who have been impacted by a major disaster. Based on the nature of the disaster, the extent of the damage, and the number of individuals and institutions that have been affected, the board may waive documentation requirements for any new or pending applications when the disaster delays or prohibits the procuring of the required documents. The board may also waive any required fees for applications submitted after the major disaster. The board will determine the length of time the emergency provisions will be in effect for each major disaster that results in applications for a federal emergency license. A. Federal emergency license by examination: Physicians currently licensed in a state in which a major disaster has been declared may be issued a federal emergency license in New Mexico. The board may waive specific documentation required in Subsection B through E of 16.10.2.9 NMAC if the applicant is unable to obtain the documentation from individuals or institutions located in the disaster area. Nothing in this provision shall constitute a waiver of the requirements for licensure contained in Subsection A of 16.10.2.9 NMAC. B. Federal emergency license by endorsement: Physicians currently licensed in a state in which a major disaster has been issued a federal emergency license in New Mexico. The board may waive specific requirements of Subsection B of 16.10.2.10 NMAC if the applicant is unable to obtain the documentation from individuals or institutions located in the disaster area. Nothing in this provision shall constitute a waiver of the requirements for licensure contained in Subsection A of 16.10.2.10 NMAC. The following requirements will apply to applicants under this provision: (1) a completed signed application, is required, accompanied by proof of identity, which may include a copy of a driver’s license, passport or other photo identification issued by a governmental entity; (2) the board will consider the required three years of practice experience to be met through any combination of postgraduate medical education and actual work experience; (3) the board may waive any requirements for recommendation forms or verification of work experience forms; (4) other required verification will be obtained online by board staff to include: current licensure status, national practitioners data bank (NPDB), federation of state medical board (FSMB) disciplinary database, American medical association or AOA records of education and postgraduate training, and the records of the American board of medical specialties or AOA-BOS to confirm board certification status. C. License expiration: Initial federal emergency licenses shall be valid for not less than three months or more than fifteen months. Licenses shall be renewed on July 1 following the date of issue, pursuant to 16.10.7 NMAC. The board reserves the right to request additional documentation, including but not limited to recommendation forms and work experience verification forms prior to approving license renewal. At the time a federal emergency license is approved for renewal, it will be transferred to a full medical license. [16.10.2.16 NMAC - Rp/E, 16 10.2.16 NMAC 7/7/2023] 16.10.2.17 EXPEDITED MEDICAL LICENSURE FOR MILITARY AND SPOUSES LICENSED IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION: If a military service member, the spouse of a military service member, or a recent veteran submits an application for a medical license and is a qualified applicant pursuant to this part, the board shall expedite the processing of such application and issue the appropriate license as soon as practicable. Any qualified applicant seeking expedited consideration pursuant to this section shall submit a copy of form DD214 with their application. [16.10.2.17 NMAC - Rp/E, 16 10.2.17 NMAC 7/7/2023] 16.10.2.18 TEMPORARY LICENSURE EXEMPTION FOR OUT OF STATE SPORTS TEAM PHYSICIAN: 16.10.2 NMAC 9 A. Physician who is licensed in good standing to practice medicine in another state, and who has never been disciplined by the New Mexico medical board, may practice medicine without a license provided that: (1) the physician has a written agreement with the out-of-state sports team governing body to provide health care services to an out-of-state sports team athlete or staff member at a scheduled sporting event; (2) the physician’s practice is limited to medical care to assist injured and ill players and staff and coordinate appropriate referral to in-state health care providers as needed; (3) the healthcare services to be provided by the physician are within the scope of practice authorized pursuant to the medical practice act and rules of the board; and (4) the physician has professional liability coverage for the duration of the sporting event. B. Licensure exemption registration. Physician registrants shall submit the following documentation to the board: (1) copy of the agreement with the out-of-state sports team governing body to provide health care services to an out-of-state sports team athlete or staff member at a scheduled sporting event; (2) proof of professional liability coverage for the duration of the sporting event; (3) a signed affidavit that the physician will limit their medical practice in New Mexico to care and assist injured or ill out-of-state team athletes or staff, and (4) coordinate appropriate referral to in-state health care providers. C. The physician will further attest that they will not provide care or consultation to a resident of New Mexico and will not practice medicine in New Mexico, outside of the sporting event.