N.M. Stat. § 45-5B-109
When power of attorney effective.
A. A power of attorney is effective when executed unless the principal provides in
the power of attorney that it becomes effective at a future date or upon the occurrence
of a future event or contingency.
B. If a power of attorney becomes effective upon the occurrence of a future event or
contingency, the principal, in the power of attorney, may authorize one or more persons
to determine in a writing or other record that the event or contingency has occurred.
C. If a power of attorney becomes effective upon the principal's incapacity and the
principal has not authorized a person to determine whether the principal is
incapacitated, or the person authorized is unable or unwilling to make the determination,
the power of attorney becomes effective upon a determination in a writing or other
record by:
(1)
a physician or licensed psychologist that the principal is incapacitated
within the meaning of Paragraph (1) of Subsection E of Section 102 [45-5B-102 NMSA
1978] of the Uniform Power of Attorney Act; or
(2)
an attorney at law, a judge or an appropriate governmental official that the
principal is incapacitated within the meaning of Paragraph (2) of Subsection E of
Section 102 of the Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
D. A person authorized by the principal in the power of attorney to determine that
the principal is incapacitated may act as the principal's personal representative pursuant
to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Sections 1171
through 1179 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 1320d, as amended, and
applicable regulations to obtain access to the principal's health care information and
communicate with the principal's health care provider.
- Cross-references to the US Code
- 42:1320d