A LEC shall not discontinue basic local exchange service:

1. A. to any residence where a seriously or chronically ill person resides, or will re-establish service to such a residence, if, at least two (2) days prior to the proposed service discontinuance date specified in the notice:

   (1) the LEC receives a medical certification, valid for thirty (30) days, on the form prescribed by the commission in 17.11.16.33 NMAC or a substantially similar form, from a medical professional stating that discontinuance of service might endanger the customer's life or health;

   (2) the LEC receives a financial certification, valid for ninety (90) days, on the form prescribed by the commission in 17.11.16.34 NMAC or a substantially similar form, from the customer stating that the customer does not have the financial resources to pay the charges for telecommunications services; and

   (3) the residential customer enters into a payment plan with the LEC;

2. B. for nonpayment of the disputed portion of a bill; or
3. C. for delinquency in payment for service to a previous occupant of the same premises unless the previous occupant continues to reside at the premises or the new customer is legally liable for the debt of the previous occupant.

[17.11.16.18 NMAC - Rp, 17.11.16.18 NMAC, 2-1-06]