New Mexico Register / Volume XXXV, Issue 23 / December 10, 2024

This is an amendment to 16.23.3 NMAC, Sections 9 and 17, effective 12/10/2024.

16.23.3.9 INITIAL LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS: The board only recognizes accreditation by the commission on accreditation for respiratory care (CoARC) or its successor approval body. All references to the national board examinations in this part are to the national board for respiratory care, [inc] (NBRC) examination. In accordance with Section 61-12B-7 and Section 61-12B-8, NMSA 1978, and the qualifications set forth therein, the applicant must provide verification of the following:

A. successful completion of an accredited respiratory care education program;

B. proof of passing the NBRC examination resulting in credentialing as a registered respiratory therapist or RRT and maintaining a current RRT credential; or

C. Applicants for licensure must provide the following items of documentation to the department:

(1) A complete application [on forms] provided by the board.

[(2) An acceptable form of identification, including the following:

(a) a document issued by a federal, state, county, or municipal government, or a political subdivision or agency thereof, including, but not limited to, a valid motor vehicle operator’s license that contains the name, date of birth and photo of the person;

(b) a valid identification card issued to a member of the Armed Forces that includes the person’s name, date of birth, and photo of the person; or

(c) a valid passport issued by the United States or by a foreign government.

(3)] (2) A copy of an official transcript, certificate or diploma showing completion of an approved respiratory care program, or a letter sent directly from the program director prior to matriculation.

[(4)] (3) A copy of one of the following documents from the NBRC:

(a) identification card from the NBRC confirming that the applicant holds a current RRT credential; or

(b) the examination results showing successful passing of the NBRC, RRT examination if the applicant has not yet received the NBRC certificate;

(c) a verification letter from the NBRC showing CRT (prior to January 1, of 2018 in New Mexico or another United States jurisdiction), or RRT credential;

[(5)] (4) [Payment applicable.] Payment of any applicable fee set forth in 16.23.2.8 NMAC.

[(6)] (5) Verification of licensure, to include any disciplinary history, by all jurisdictions where the applicant is or has ever been licensed.

(6) Jurisprudence examination with a passing score of seventy-five percent or higher. Each applicant will be afforded three opportunities to pass the exam. If the applicant has not achieved a passing score after three attempts, the applicant must wait three months before attempting to retake the exam.

D. If applicable, those returning to the field and are applying for new licensure shall meet the requirements set in this rule.

E. After the above listed documentation has been reviewed and approved by the department, in consultation with the board, the applicant will be issued a respiratory care practitioner’s license valid until September 30 of the next odd numbered year.

[16.23.3.9 NMAC - Rp, 16.23.3.9 NMAC, 6/27/2023, A, 12/10/2024]

16.23.3.17 RENEWAL DEADLINE: The deadline for renewal of current respiratory care practitioner licenses is September 30 of each odd-numbered year.

A. September 30 postmark requirement. Completed renewal applications must be [postmarked or] completed on-line on or before September 30 of the renewal year.

B. Application rejected. Incomplete renewal applications will be rejected by the board.

C. Late renewal. Any renewal application received after September 30 of the renewal year, is expired and must be accompanied by the fee required for reactivation.

[16.23.3.17 NMAC - Rp, 16.23.3.17 NMAC, 6/27/2023, A, 12/10/2024]