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.

1. 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 16.17.2.9 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 16.17.2.9 NMAC.

2. 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 16.17.2.9 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 16.17.2.9 NMAC. The following requirements will apply to applicants under this provision:

   1. (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. (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. (3) the board may waive any requirements for recommendation forms or verification of work experience forms;
   4. (4) other required verification will be obtained online by board staff to include: current licensure status, national practitioners data bank, federation of state medical board disciplinary database, AOA records of education and postgraduate training, and the records of the bureau of osteopathic specialties to confirm board certification status.

3. C. License expiration. Initial federal emergency licenses shall be valid for not less than three months or more than 15 months. Licenses shall be renewed on July 1 following the date of issue pursuant to 16.17.4.8 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 osteopathic medical license subject to all applicable fees.

   HISTORY OF 16.17.2 NMAC:

   Pre-NMAC History: The material in this part was derived from that previously filed with the state records center and archives:

   BOSE 69-1, Practice Guide for Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons in New Mexico, filed 06-05-1969.

   Rule 2, Application for Licensure, filed 12-07-1988.

   History of Repealed Material: Rule 2, Application for Licensure (filed 12-07-1988) repealed 10-29-2004.

   16.17.2 NMAC, Application for Licensure, repealed effective 6-11-2018

   Other History:

   Rule 2, Application for Licensure (filed 12-07-1988) replaced by 16.17.2 NMAC, Application for Licensure, effective 10-29-2004.

[16.17.2.18 NMAC - N, 6-11-2018]