46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE; RENAMING THE NEW MEXICO BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS; CHANGING MEMBERSHIP; PRESCRIBING POWERS AND DUTIES; CHANGING REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR LICENSURE AS PHYSICIANS; PROVIDING FEES; TRANSFERRING FUNCTIONS, PERSONNEL, APPROPRIATIONS, MONEY, PROPERTY, CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND STATUTORY REFERENCES OF THE NEW MEXICO BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS TO THE MEDICAL BOARD; INCREASING CIVIL PENALTIES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. Section 61-6-1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1989, Chapter 269, Section 1) is amended to read:

"61-6-1. SHORT TITLE--PURPOSE.--

A. Chapter 61, Article 6 NMSA 1978 may be cited as the "Medical Practice Act".

B. In the interest of the public health, safety and welfare and to protect the public from the improper, unprofessional, incompetent and unlawful practice of medicine, it is necessary to provide laws and [regulations] rules controlling the granting and use of the privilege to practice medicine and to establish a medical board [of medical examiners] to implement and enforce [those] the laws and [regulations] rules.

C. The primary duties and obligations of the medical board [of medical examiners] are to issue licenses to qualified physicians, [to register qualified] physician assistants and anesthesiologist assistants, to discipline incompetent or unprofessional physicians, [or] physician assistants or anesthesiologist assistants and to aid in the rehabilitation of impaired physicians, [and] physician assistants and anesthesiologist assistants for the purpose of protecting the public."

Section 2. Section 61-6-2 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1923, Chapter 44, Section 1, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-2. MEDICAL BOARD [OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS]--APPOINTMENT--TERMS--QUALIFICATIONS.--

A. There is created the "[New Mexico] medical board [of medical examiners]", consisting of [eight] nine members. The board shall be composed of two public members, one physician assistant and six reputable physicians of known ability who are graduates of medical colleges or schools in good standing [as defined in Section 61-6-6 NMSA 1978] and who have been licensed physicians in and bona fide residents of New Mexico for a period of five years immediately preceding the date of their appointment. The physician assistant shall have been a licensed physician assistant and a resident of New Mexico for at least five years immediately preceding the date of appointment. Public members of the board shall be residents of New Mexico, shall not have been licensed [or have practiced as physicians] by the board and shall have no significant financial interest, direct or indirect, in the occupation regulated.

B. The governor shall appoint the physician members from a list of names submitted to [him] the governor by the New Mexico medical society or its authorized governing body or council. The list shall contain five names of qualified physicians for each physician member to be appointed. Physician member vacancies shall be filled in the same manner.

C. The governor shall appoint the physician assistant member from a list of names submitted to the governor by the New Mexico academy of physician assistants or its authorized governing body or council. The list shall contain five names of qualified physician assistants.

[C.] D. Members shall be appointed to four-year terms, staggered [terms beginning on January 1, 1992. Three physician members and one public member shall be appointed to two-year terms, and three physician members and one public member shall be appointed to four-year terms. Thereafter, the members shall be appointed to four-year terms] so that not more than three terms expire in a year. All board members shall hold office until their successors are appointed and qualified.

[D. Any] E. A board member failing to attend three consecutive meetings, either regular or special, shall automatically be removed as a member of the board unless excused from attendance by the board for good cause shown."

Section 3. Section 61-6-3 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1989, Chapter 269, Section 3) is amended to read:

"61-6-3. MEETINGS OF THE BOARD--QUORUM.--

A. The board shall hold four regular meetings every fiscal year. [Two of those meetings shall be licensing meetings.]

B. During the second quarter of each year, the board shall hold its annual meeting during which it shall elect officers.

[C. The board shall hold its regular licensing meetings during the second and fourth quarters of each fiscal year at a time and place determined by a quorum or at a time and place determined by the president. The president shall provide written notice to all members of the board.

D.] C. In addition to the regular meetings, the board may hold special meetings at the call of the president after written notice to all members of the board or at the written or electronic request of any two members.

[E.] D. A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum and shall be capable of conducting any board business. The vote of a majority of a quorum shall prevail, even though the vote may not represent an actual majority of all the board members."

Section 4. Section 61-6-4 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1989, Chapter 269, Section 4) is amended to read:

"61-6-4. ELECTION--DUTIES OF OFFICERS--REIMBURSEMENT OF BOARD MEMBERS.--

A. At its annual meeting, the board shall elect a president, a vice president and a secretary-treasurer.

B. The president shall preside over the meetings and affairs of the board.

C. The vice president shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the president and shall serve as president due to the absence or incompetence of the president.

D. The secretary-treasurer shall:

[(1) report to the governor the doings and proceedings of the board, together with the amounts of all money received and disbursed by the board by December 1 of each year;

(2) with the advice and consent of the board, submit the board budget recommendation to the legislature and the department of finance and administration;

(3) keep a correct and itemized account of all money received and disbursed and make a report to the board at each meeting;

(4) issue interim licenses; and]

(1) review applications for licensure and interview applicants to determine eligibility for licensure;

(2) issue temporary licenses pursuant to Section 61-6-14 NMSA 1978;

(3) serve on committees related to board activities that require physician participation;

(4) serve as a consultant on medical practice issues when a board action is not required; and

(5) perform any other functions assigned by the board or by the president [between meetings].

E. The secretary-treasurer may be compensated at the discretion of the board.

F. Board members shall receive per diem and mileage as provided in the Per Diem and Mileage Act and shall receive no other compensation, perquisite or allowance, except that the secretary-treasurer may be additionally compensated as provided in Subsection E of this section and board members may be additionally compensated in accordance with Subsection G of this section.

G. Board members or agents performing interviews of applicants [as required by Sections 61-6-11 and 61-6-13 NMSA 1978] may be compensated at the board's discretion."

Section 5. Section 61-6-5 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1973, Chapter 361, Section 2, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-5. DUTIES AND POWERS.--The board shall:

A. enforce and administer the provisions of the Medical Practice Act, the Physician Assistant Act, the Anesthesiologist Assistants Act and the Impaired [Physician] Health Care Provider Act;

B. adopt, publish and file, in accordance with the Uniform Licensing Act and the State Rules Act, all rules [and regulations] for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the Medical Practice Act, the Physician Assistant Act, the Anesthesiologist Assistants Act and the Impaired [Physician] Health Care Provider Act;

C. adopt and use a seal;

D. administer oaths to all applicants, witnesses and others appearing before the board, as appropriate;

E. take testimony on [any] matters within the board's jurisdiction;

F. keep an accurate record of all its meetings, receipts and disbursements;

[G. keep a record of all examinations held, together with the names and addresses of all persons taking the examinations and the examination results, and at the earliest date possible give written examination results to each applicant examined;

H. certify as passing each applicant who obtains a passing grade indicating successful completion of each subject upon which he is examined;

I.] G. maintain records in which the name, address and license number of all licensees shall be recorded, together with a record of all license renewals, suspensions, revocations, probations, stipulations, censures, reprimands and fines;

[J.] H. grant, deny, review, suspend and revoke licenses to practice medicine and censure, reprimand, fine and place on probation and stipulation licensed physicians in accordance with the Uniform Licensing Act for any cause stated in the Medical Practice Act;

[K.] I. hire staff and administrators as necessary to carry out the provisions of the Medical Practice Act;

[L.] J. have the authority to hire or contract with investigators to investigate possible violations of the Medical Practice Act;

[M.] K. have the authority to hire a competent attorney to give advice and counsel in regard to any matter connected with the duties of the board, to represent the board in any legal proceedings and to aid in the enforcement of the laws in relation to the medical profession and to fix the compensation to be paid to such attorney; provided, however, that such attorney shall be compensated from the funds of the board [including those provided for in Section 61-6-28 NMSA 1978];

[N.] L. establish continuing medical education requirements for licensed physicians and continuing education requirements for physician assistants; [and]

[O.] M. establish committees as it deems necessary for carrying on its business; and

N. hire or contract with a licensed physician to serve as medical director and fulfill specified duties of the secretary-treasurer."

Section 6. Section 61-6-6 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1973, Chapter 361, Section 1, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-6. DEFINITIONS.--As used in Chapter 61, Article 6 NMSA 1978:

[A. "acting in good faith" means acting without malice as the primary motive or without knowledge or belief that one is in error in taking a particular action;]

A. "approved postgraduate training program" means a program approved by the accrediting council on graduate medical education of the American medical association or by the board;

B. "board" means the [New Mexico] medical board [of medical examiners];

C. "licensed physician" means a medical doctor licensed under the Medical Practice Act to practice medicine in New Mexico;

D. "licensee" means a medical doctor, physician assistant or anesthesiologist assistant licensed by the board to practice in New Mexico;

[D.] E. "medical college or school in good standing" means a board-approved medical college or school that has as high a standard as that required by the association of American medical colleges and the council on medical education of the American medical association;

[E.] F. "medical student" means a student enrolled in a board-approved medical college or school in good standing;

[F. "person" means an individual or any legal entity of any kind whatever;]

G. "physician assistant" means [a skilled person licensed by the board as being qualified by academic and practical training to provide patient services under the supervision and direction of the licensed physician who is responsible for the performance of that assistant] a person who is licensed by the board to practice as a physician assistant and who provides services to patients under the supervision and direction of a licensed physician who is responsible for the performance of the physician assistant;

H. ["postgraduate year one" or] "intern" means a first-year postgraduate student upon whom a degree of doctor of medicine and surgery or equivalent degree has been conferred by a medical college or school in good standing;

I. ["postgraduate year two through eight" or] "resident" means a graduate of a medical college or school in good standing who is in training in a board-approved and accredited residency training program in a hospital or facility affiliated with an approved hospital and who has been appointed to the position of "resident" or ["assistant resident"] "fellow" for the purpose of postgraduate medical training;

J. "the practice of medicine" consists of:

(1) advertising, holding out to the public or representing in any manner that one is authorized to practice medicine in this state;

(2) offering or undertaking to administer, dispense or prescribe [any] a drug or medicine for the use of [any other] another person, except as authorized pursuant to a professional or occupational licensing statute set forth in Chapter 61 NMSA 1978;

(3) offering or undertaking to give or administer, dispense or prescribe [any] a drug or medicine for the use of [any other] another person, except as directed by a licensed physician;

(4) offering or undertaking to perform [any] an operation or procedure upon [any] a person;

(5) offering or undertaking to diagnose, correct or treat in any manner or by any means, methods, devices or instrumentalities any disease, illness, pain, wound, fracture, infirmity, deformity, defect or abnormal physical or mental condition of [any] a person;

(6) offering medical peer review, utilization review or diagnostic service of any kind that directly influences patient care, except as authorized pursuant to a professional or occupational licensing statute set forth in Chapter 61 NMSA 1978; or

(7) acting as the representative or agent of [any] a person in doing any of the things listed in [Paragraphs (1) through (6) of] this subsection;

K. "the practice of medicine across state lines" means:

(1) the rendering of a written or otherwise documented medical opinion concerning diagnosis or treatment of a patient within this state by a physician located outside this state as a result of transmission of individual patient data by electronic, telephonic or other means from within this state to the physician or the physician's agent; or

(2) the rendering of treatment to a patient within this state by a physician located outside this state as a result of transmission of individual patient data by electronic, telephonic or other means from within this state to the physician or the physician's agent;

L. "sexual contact" means touching the primary genital area, groin, anus, buttocks or breast of a patient or allowing a patient to touch another's primary genital area, groin, anus, buttocks or breast in a manner that is commonly recognized as outside the scope of acceptable medical practice;

M. "sexual penetration" means sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio or anal intercourse, whether or not there is any emission, or introducing any object into the genital or anal openings of another in a manner that is commonly recognized as outside the scope of acceptable medical practice; and

N. "United States" means the fifty states, its territories and possessions and the District of Columbia."

Section 7. Section 61-6-7 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1973, Chapter 361, Section 3, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-7. SHORT TITLE--LICENSURE AS A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT--SCOPE OF PRACTICE--BIENNIAL REGISTRATION OF SUPERVISION--[CHANGE] LICENSE RENEWAL--FEES.--

A. Sections 61-6-7 through 61-6-10 NMSA 1978 may be cited as the "Physician Assistant Act".

B. The board may license [qualified persons] as a physician [assistants. No] assistant a qualified person who has graduated from a physician assistant or surgeon assistant program accredited by the national accrediting body as established by rule and has passed a physician assistant national certifying exam as established by rule.

C. A person shall not perform, attempt to perform or hold himself out as a physician assistant without first applying for and obtaining a license from the board and without biennially registering his supervising licensed physician in accordance with board [regulations. Physician assistants who are registered under the Physician Assistant Act as of June 31, 1997 shall be considered to be licensed until the expiration of that registration] rules.

[C.] D. Physician assistants may prescribe, administer and distribute dangerous drugs other than controlled substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act pursuant to [regulations] rules adopted by the board after consultation with the board of pharmacy [provided that] if the prescribing, administering and distributing are done under the direction of a supervising licensed physician and within the parameters of a board-approved formulary and guidelines established under [Paragraph (3) of Subsection A] Subsection C of Section 61-6-9 NMSA 1978. The distribution process shall comply with state laws concerning prescription packaging, labeling and record keeping requirements. Physician assistants shall not otherwise dispense dangerous drugs or controlled substances.

[D.] E. A physician assistant shall perform only [those] the acts and duties assigned [him] to the physician assistant by a supervising licensed physician that are within the scope of practice of the supervising licensed physician.

[E.] F. An applicant for licensure as a physician assistant shall complete application forms supplied by the board and shall pay a licensing fee as provided in Section 61-6-19 NMSA 1978. [Upon being licensed by the board, the applicant shall have his name and address and other pertinent information enrolled by the board on a roster of physician assistants.

F. Each] G. A physician assistant shall biennially submit proof of [completion of continuing education as required by the board] current certification by the national commission on certification of physician assistants and shall [biennially] renew [his] the license and registration of supervision of the physician assistant with the board. [Upon any change in supervising physician between biennial registrations, each physician assistant shall reregister his supervising physician and shall pay any additional registration of supervision fees as provided in Section 61-6-19 NMSA 1978. All] Applications for licensure or registration of supervision shall include the applicant's name, current address, the name and office address of the supervising licensed physician and other additional information as the board deems necessary. [Upon any change of supervising licensed physician, prior registration of supervision shall automatically become void or inactive.]

H. Before starting work, a physician assistant shall ensure that the supervising licensed physician of the physician assistant is registered by the board. The license of a physician assistant shall be valid when the physician assistant works under the supervision of a board-registered licensed physician.

[G.] I. Each biennial renewal of [registration of supervision] licensure shall be accompanied by a fee as provided in Section 61-6-19 NMSA 1978."

Section 8. Section 61-6-7.2 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1997, Chapter 187, Section 3) is amended to read:

"61-6-7.2. INACTIVE LICENSE.--

A. A physician assistant license shall expire every two years on a date established by the board.

[A.] B. A physician assistant who notifies the board in writing on forms prescribed by the board may elect to place his license on an inactive status. A physician assistant with an inactive license shall be excused from payment of renewal fees and shall not practice as a physician assistant.

[B.] C. A physician assistant who engages in practice while his license is lapsed or on inactive status is practicing without a license, and this is grounds for discipline pursuant to the Physician Assistant Act.

[C.] D. A physician assistant requesting restoration from inactive status shall pay the current renewal fee and fulfill the requirement for renewal pursuant to the Physician Assistant Act.

E. The board may, in its discretion, summarily suspend for nonpayment of fees the license of a physician assistant who has not renewed his license within ninety days of expiration.

F. A physician assistant who has not submitted an application for renewal on or before the license expiration date, but who has submitted an application for renewal within forty-five days after the license expiration date, shall be assessed a late fee.

G. A physician assistant who has not submitted an application for renewal between forty-six and ninety days after the expiration date shall be assessed a late fee."

Section 9. Section 61-6-9 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1973, Chapter 361, Section 5, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-9. PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS--RULES [AND REGULATIONS].--[A.] The board may adopt and enforce reasonable rules [and regulations] for:

[(1) for setting qualifications of]

A. education, skill and experience for licensure of a person as a physician assistant and providing forms and procedures for biennial licensure and registration of supervision by a licensed physician;

[(2) for] B. examining and evaluating [applicants] an applicant for licensure as a physician assistant as to [their] skill, knowledge and experience of the applicant in the field of medical care;

[(3) for] C. establishing when and for how long physician assistants are permitted to prescribe, administer and distribute dangerous drugs other than controlled substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act pursuant to [regulations] rules adopted by the board after consultation with the board of pharmacy;

[(4) for] D. allowing a supervising licensed physician to temporarily delegate [his] supervisory responsibilities for a physician assistant to another licensed physician;

[(5) for] E. allowing a physician assistant to temporarily serve under the supervision of a licensed physician other than the supervising licensed physician of record; and

[(6) for the purpose of]

F. carrying out all other provisions of the Physician Assistant Act.

[B. The board shall not adopt any rule or regulation allowing a physician assistant to measure the powers, range or accommodative status of human vision; diagnose vision problems; prescribe lenses, prisms, vision training or contact lenses; or fit contact lenses. This restriction does not preclude vision screening. The board shall not adopt any rule or regulation allowing a physician assistant to perform treatment of the human foot outside the physician assistant's scope of practice.]"

Section 10. Section 61-6-10 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1973, Chapter 361, Section 6, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-10. SUPERVISING LICENSED PHYSICIAN--RESPONSIBILITY.--

A. As a condition of [biennial] licensure [and renewal of registration of supervision], all physician assistants practicing in New Mexico shall inform the board of the name of the licensed physician under whose supervision they will practice. All supervising licensed physicians shall be licensed under the Medical Practice Act and shall be approved by the board.

B. Every licensed physician supervising a licensed physician assistant shall be individually responsible and liable for the performance of the acts and omissions delegated to the physician assistant. Nothing in this section shall be construed to relieve the physician assistant of [any] responsibility and liability for [any of his own] the acts and omissions of the physician assistant.

C. [No] A licensed physician [may have under his supervision] shall not supervise more than two physician assistants; except, where a physician is working in a health facility providing health service to the public primarily on a free or reduced fee basis, that is funded in whole or in part out of public funds or the funds of private charitable institutions or for good cause shown, the board may authorize a greater number upon a finding that the program provides adequate supervision of the physician assistants."

Section 11. Section 61-6-10.2 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2001, Chapter 311, Section 2) is amended to read:

"61-6-10.2. DEFINITIONS.--As used in the Anesthesiologist Assistants Act:

A. "anesthesiologist" means a physician licensed to practice medicine in New Mexico who has successfully completed an accredited anesthesiology graduate medical education program, who is board certified by the American board of anesthesiology or board eligible, who has completed a residency in anesthesiology within the last three years and who is an employee of the department of anesthesiology of a medical school in New Mexico;

B. "anesthesiologist assistant" means a skilled person employed or to be employed by a university in New Mexico with a medical school certified by the board as being qualified by academic and practical training to assist an anesthesiologist in developing and implementing anesthesia care plans for patients under the supervision and direction of the anesthesiologist who is responsible for the performance of [that] the anesthesiologist assistant;

C. "applicant" means a person who is applying to the board for a license as an anesthesiologist assistant;

D. "board" means the [New Mexico] medical board [of medical examiners]; and

E. "license" means an authorization to practice as an anesthesiologist assistant."

Section 12. Section 61-6-11 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1923, Chapter 44, Section 3, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-11. LICENSURE.--

A. The board may [admit to examination] consider for [license any] licensure a person who is of good moral character, [and] is a graduate of a medical college or school in good standing, [as defined in Subsection D of Section 61-6-6 NMSA 1978] has passed an examination approved by the board and [who] has completed two years of an approved postgraduate training program.

[B. One year of postgraduate medical training may be accepted by the board if the applicant was an intern in a board-approved program from July 1, 1993 through June 30, 1994 and if the applicant applies to the board for licensure before July 1, 1995. All postgraduate training shall be approved by the board.

C.] B. An applicant who has not completed two years of an approved postgraduate [medical] training program, but who otherwise meets all other licensing requirements, may present evidence to the board of the applicant's other professional experience for consideration by the board in lieu of the approved postgraduate [medical] training program. The board shall, in its sole discretion, determine if the professional experience is substantially equivalent to the required approved postgraduate [medical] training program.

[D. The board may administer a board-approved licensing examination. The board shall determine a grade constituting successful completion of the exam.

E. Alternatively, the board may issue a license to any applicant of good moral character and after successfully completing an examination accepted by the board as administered in this or another state.

F.] C. A graduate of a board-approved medical college located outside the United States may be granted a license to practice medicine in New Mexico, provided the applicant presents evidence to the board that the applicant is a person of good moral character and is in compliance with the United States immigration laws and provided that the applicant presents satisfactory evidence to the board that the applicant has successfully passed an examination as required by the board and has successfully completed two years of postgraduate medical training in [a board-approved] an approved postgraduate training program.

[G.] D. All applicants for licensure [by examination shall] may be required to appear personally [appear] before the board or a designated [member of the board] agent for an interview.

[H. No] E. An applicant for licensure by examination shall not be granted a license if the applicant has taken the examination in two or more steps and has failed to successfully pass the final step within seven years of the date that the first step was passed. A candidate for both a medical doctor degree and a doctorate degree must successfully complete the entire examination series within ten years from the date the first step of the examination is passed.

[I.] F. Every applicant for licensure under this section shall pay the fees required by Section 61-6-19 NMSA 1978.

G. The board may require a criminal background check on an applicant for licensure."

Section 13. Section 61-6-13 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1989, Chapter 269, Section 9, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-13. LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT.--

A. The board may grant a license without examination and by endorsement to an applicant who is properly endorsed by the officers of the examining board with jurisdiction or by the Canadian medical council and:

(1) has graduated from a medical college or school in good standing;

(2) is board-certified in a specialty recognized by the American board of medical specialties;

(3) has been a licensed physician outside of

New Mexico, but in the United States [and who otherwise meets the requirements set forth in the Medical Practice Act, provided that the applicant is properly endorsed by the officers of the examining board with jurisdiction.

B. The board may grant a license without examination and by endorsement to any applicant who has been a licensed physician in Canada and who otherwise meets the requirements set forth in the Medical Practice Act, provided that the applicant is properly endorsed by the officers of either the Canadian medical council or an examining board with jurisdiction within the United States] or Canada for at least three years;

(4) holds an unrestricted license in another state or Canada; and

(5) was not the subject of a disciplinary action in a state or province.

[C.] B. The board may grant a license [without examination and] by endorsement to [any] an applicant who is properly endorsed by the officers of the examining board with jurisdiction or by the Canadian medical council and:

(1) has graduated from a medical college located outside the United States or Canada [and who];

(2) is of good moral character [who];

(3) is in compliance with the United States immigration laws [and who];

(4) is board-certified in a specialty recognized by the American board of specialties;

(5) has been a licensed physician in the United States or Canada and has practiced medicine in the United States or Canada immediately preceding the application [and who otherwise meets the requirements set forth in the Medical Practice Act, provided that the applicant is properly endorsed by the officers of the examining board within the United States or Canada that has jurisdiction] for at least three years;

(6) holds an unrestricted license; and

(7) was not the subject of disciplinary action in a state or province.

[D.] C. An endorsement provided pursuant to this section shall certify that the applicant has passed an examination that meets with board approval and that the applicant is in good standing in that jurisdiction. In cases when the applicant is board-certified, has not been the subject of disciplinary action that would be reportable to the national practitioner data bank or the healthcare integrity and protection data bank and has unusual skills and experience not generally available in this state, and patients residing in this state have a significant need for such skills and experience, the board may waive [any] a requirement imposing time limits for examination completion that are different from [those] requirements of the state where the applicant is licensed.

[E. All applicants] D. An applicant for licensure under this section [shall] may be required to personally appear before the board or a designated [board member] agent for an interview.

[F. All applicants] E. An applicant for licensure under this section shall pay an application fee as provided in Section 61-6-19 NMSA 1978.

F. The board may require a criminal background check on an applicant for licensure."

Section 14. Section 61-6-14 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1953, Chapter 48, Section 2, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-14. ORGANIZED YOUTH CAMP OR SCHOOL TEMPORARY LICENSES AND TEMPORARY LICENSES FOR OUT-OF-STATE PHYSICIANS.--

A. The secretary-treasurer of the board may issue to [any] an applicant qualified to practice medicine and surgery in this state, either by examination or by endorsement, who will be temporarily in attendance at [any] an organized youth camp or school, a temporary license to practice medicine and surgery, the practice to be confined to enrollees, leaders and employees of the camp or school and the following provisions shall apply:

(1) the temporary license shall be issued for a period not to exceed three months from date of issuance; and

(2) the temporary license may be issued upon written application of the applicant, accompanied by such proof of [his] the qualifications of the applicant as [the secretary-treasurer of the board, in his discretion, may require] specified by board rule.

B. The secretary-treasurer of the board may issue to [any] an applicant who is licensed to practice medicine in another state, territory of the United States or another country and who is qualified to practice medicine and surgery in this state a temporary license to practice medicine under the [sponsorship] supervision of [and in association with] a licensed [New Mexico] physician. The following provisions shall apply:

(1) the temporary license may be issued upon written application of the applicant, accompanied by [such] proof of [his] qualifications as [the secretary-treasurer of the board, in his discretion, may require] specified by rule of the board. A temporary [licenses] license may be granted to allow the applicant to assist in teaching, conducting research, performing specialized diagnostic and treatment procedures, [and] implementing new technology and for physician educational purposes. [Licensees] A licensee may engage in only [those] the activities specified on the temporary license, and the temporary license shall identify the licensed [New Mexico] physician who will [sponsor and associate with] supervise the applicant during the time the applicant practices medicine in New Mexico. The [sponsoring or associating] supervising licensed physician shall submit an affidavit attesting to the qualifications of the applicant and activities the applicant will perform; and

(2) the temporary license shall be issued for a period not to exceed three months from date of issuance and may be renewed upon application and payment of fees as provided in Section 61-6-19 NMSA 1978.

[C. Whenever an eligible applicant has filed his application and complied with all other requirements of the Medical Practice Act in the interim between regular board meetings, the secretary-treasurer may issue an interim license to hold good until the next regular licensing meeting of the board.

D.] C. The application for a temporary license under this section shall be accompanied by a license fee as provided in Section 61-6-19 NMSA 1978."

Section 15. Section 61-6-15 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1969, Chapter 46, Section 6, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-15. LICENSE MAY BE REFUSED, REVOKED OR SUSPENDED--LICENSEE MAY BE FINED, CENSURED OR REPRIMANDED--PROCEDURE--PRACTICE AFTER SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION--PENALTY--UNPROFESSIONAL AND DISHONORABLE CONDUCT DEFINED--FEES AND EXPENSES--NOTICE OF CLAIM.--

A. The board may refuse to license and may revoke or suspend [any] a license that has been issued by the board or [any] a previous board and may fine, censure or reprimand [any] a licensee upon satisfactory proof being made to the board that the applicant for or holder of the license has been guilty of unprofessional or dishonorable conduct. The board may also refuse to license an applicant who is unable to practice medicine, or practice as a physician assistant or an anesthesiologist assistant, pursuant to Section 61-7-3 NMSA 1978. All proceedings shall be as required by the Uniform Licensing Act or the Impaired Health Care Provider Act.

B. The board may, in its discretion and for good cause shown, place the licensee on probation on [such] the terms and conditions [as] it deems proper for protection of the public, [or] for the purpose of [the] rehabilitation of the probationer or both. Upon expiration of the term of probation, if a term is set, further proceedings may be abated by the board if the holder of the license furnishes the board with evidence that the [physician] licensee is competent to practice [medicine], is of good moral character and has complied with the terms of probation.

C. If evidence fails to establish to the satisfaction of the board that the licensee is competent and is of good moral character or if evidence shows that [he] the licensee has not complied with the terms of probation, the board may revoke or suspend the license [forthwith]. If a license to practice [medicine] in this state is suspended, the holder of the license may not practice during the term of suspension. [Any] A person whose license has been revoked or suspended by the board and who thereafter practices or attempts or offers to practice [medicine] in New Mexico, unless the period of suspension has expired or been modified by the board or the [physician's] license reinstated, is guilty of a felony and shall be punished as provided in Section 61-6-20 NMSA 1978.

D. "Unprofessional or dishonorable conduct", as used in this section, means [among other things, but not limited to because of enumeration] conduct of a licensee that includes the following:

(1) procuring, aiding or abetting a criminal abortion;

(2) employing [any] a person to solicit patients for the [physician] licensee;

(3) representing to a patient that a manifestly incurable condition of sickness, disease or injury can be cured;

(4) obtaining [any] a fee by fraud or misrepresentation;

(5) willfully or negligently divulging a professional confidence;

(6) conviction of [any] an offense punishable by incarceration in a state penitentiary or federal prison or conviction of a misdemeanor associated with the practice of [medicine] the licensee. A copy of the record of conviction, certified by the clerk of the court entering the conviction, is conclusive evidence;

(7) habitual or excessive use of intoxicants or drugs;

(8) fraud or misrepresentation in applying for or procuring a license to practice in this state or in connection with applying for or procuring renewal, including cheating on or attempting to subvert the licensing examinations;

(9) making false or misleading statements regarding the [physician's] skill of the licensee or the efficacy or value of the medicine, treatment or remedy prescribed or administered by the [physician] licensee or at the [physician's] direction of the licensee in the treatment of [any] a disease or other condition of the human body or mind;

(10) impersonating another [person licensed to practice medicine] licensee, permitting or allowing [any] a person to use the [physician's] license [or certificate of registration] of the licensee or practicing [medicine] as a licensee under a false or assumed name;

(11) aiding or abetting the practice of [medicine by] a person not licensed by the board;

(12) gross negligence in the practice of [medicine] a licensee;

(13) manifest incapacity or incompetence to practice [medicine] as a licensee;

(14) discipline imposed on a licensee [to practice medicine] by another state, including probation, suspension or revocation, based upon acts by the licensee similar to acts described in this section. A certified copy of the record of suspension or revocation of the state making the suspension or revocation is conclusive evidence;

(15) the use of [any] a false, fraudulent or deceptive statement in [any] a document connected with the practice of [medicine] a licensee;

(16) fee splitting;

(17) the prescribing, administering or dispensing of narcotic, stimulant or hypnotic drugs for other than accepted therapeutic purposes;

(18) conduct likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public;

(19) repeated similar negligent acts;

(20) employing abusive billing practices;

(21) failure to report to the board any adverse action taken against the [physician] licensee by:

(a) another licensing jurisdiction;

(b) [any] a peer review body;

(c) [any] a health care entity;

(d) [any] a professional or medical society or association;

(e) [any] a governmental agency;

(f) [any] a law enforcement agency; or

(g) [any] a court for acts or conduct similar to acts or conduct that would constitute grounds for action as defined in this section;

(22) failure to report to the board surrender of a license or other authorization to practice [medicine] in another state or jurisdiction or surrender of membership on any medical staff or in any medical or professional association or society following, in lieu of and while under disciplinary investigation by any of those authorities or bodies for acts or conduct similar to acts or conduct that would constitute grounds for action as defined in this section;

(23) failure to furnish the board, its investigators or representatives with information requested by the board;

(24) abandonment of patients;

(25) being found mentally incompetent or insane by a court of competent jurisdiction;

(26) injudicious prescribing, administering or dispensing of [any] a drug or medicine;

(27) failure to adequately supervise, as provided by board [regulation] rule, a medical or surgical assistant or technician or professional licensee who renders health care;

(28) [intentionally engaging in sexual contact or sexual penetration with a patient] sexual contact with a patient or person who has authority to make medical decisions for a patient, other than [one's] the spouse of the licensee, after representing or inferring that [such] the activity is a legitimate part of the patient's treatment;

(29) conduct unbecoming in a person licensed to practice [medicine] or detrimental to the best interests of the public; [and]

(30) the surrender of a license [to practice medicine] or withdrawal of an application for a license [to practice medicine] before another state licensing board while an investigation or disciplinary action is pending before that board for acts or conduct similar to acts or conduct that would constitute grounds for action [as provided for in] pursuant to this section;

(31) sexual contact with a former mental health patient of the licensee, other than the spouse of the licensee, within one year from the end of treatment;

(32) sexual contact with a former non-mental health patient, other than the spouse of the licensee, when the licensee uses or exploits treatment, knowledge, emotions or influence derived from the previous professional relationship;

(33) improper management of medical records, including failure to maintain timely, accurate and complete medical records;

(34) failure to provide pertinent and necessary medical records to a physician or patient of the physician in a timely manner when legally requested to do so by the patient or by a legally designated representative of the patient;

(35) undertreatment of pain as provided by board rule;

(36) disruptive behavior or interaction with physicians, hospital personnel, patients, family members or others that interferes with patient care or could reasonably be expected to adversely impact the quality of care rendered to a patient;

(37) soliciting or receiving compensation by a physician assistant or anesthesiologist assistant from a person who is not an employer of the assistant; or

(38) willfully or negligently divulging privileged information or a professional secret.

E. As used in this section, "fee splitting" includes offering, delivering, receiving or accepting any unearned rebate, refunds, commission preference, patronage dividend, discount or other unearned consideration, whether in the form of money or otherwise, as compensation or inducement for referring patients, clients or customers to [any] a person, irrespective of any membership, proprietary interest or co-ownership in or with [any] a person to whom the patients, clients or customers are referred.

[F. Licensees shall bear all costs of disciplinary proceedings unless exonerated.

G.] F. Licensees whose licenses are in a probationary status shall pay reasonable expenses for maintaining probationary status, including laboratory costs when laboratory testing of biological fluids are included as a condition of probation.

[H. For the purpose of investigating the competence of medical practitioners covered by the Medical Practice Act who practice medicine in the state of New Mexico, any entity issuing professional liability insurance to physicians or indemnifying physicians for professional liability in New Mexico shall report to the board all settlements or judgments against licensed physicians, whether they are tried in court or settled out of court.]"

Section 16. Section 61-6-16 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1989, Chapter 269, Section 12) is amended to read:

"61-6-16. REPORTING OF SETTLEMENTS AND JUDGMENTS, PROFESSIONAL REVIEW ACTIONS AND ACCEPTANCE OF SURRENDERED LICENSE--IMMUNITY FROM CIVIL DAMAGES--PENALTY.--

A. All entities [which] that make payments under a policy of insurance, self-insurance or otherwise in settlement or satisfaction of a judgment in a medical malpractice action or claim, [all] hospitals, [all] health care entities and [all] professional review bodies shall report to the board all payments relating to malpractice actions or claims arising in New Mexico, all appropriate professional review actions of [physicians] licensees and the acceptance or surrender of clinical privileges by a [physician] licensee while under investigation or in lieu of an investigation. For the purposes of this section, the meaning of these terms shall be as contained in Section 431 of the federal Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986, 42 [U.S.C.A. §11151] USCA Section 11151.

B. [No] The hospitals required to report under this section, health care entities or professional review bodies [which] that provide such information in good faith shall not be subject to suit for civil damages as a result [thereof] of providing the information.

C. [Any] A hospital, health care entity or professional review body failing to comply with the reporting requirements provided in this section shall be subject to civil penalty not to exceed [two thousand dollars ($2,000)] ten thousand dollars ($10,000)."

Section 17. Section 61-6-17 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1973, Chapter 361, Section 8, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-17. EXCEPTIONS TO ACT.--The Medical Practice Act shall not apply to or affect:

A. gratuitous services rendered in cases of emergency;

B. the domestic administration of family remedies;

C. the practice of midwifery as regulated in this state;

D. commissioned medical officers of the armed forces of the United States and medical officers of the United States public health service or the veterans administration of the United States in the discharge of their official duties or within federally controlled facilities; provided that such persons who hold medical licenses in New Mexico shall be subject to the provisions of the Medical Practice Act and provided that all such persons shall be fully licensed to practice medicine in one or more jurisdictions of the United States;

E. the practice of medicine by a physician, unlicensed in New Mexico, who performs emergency medical procedures in air or ground transportation on a patient from inside of New Mexico to another state or back, provided the physician is duly licensed in that state;

F. the practice, as defined and limited under their respective licensing laws, of:

(1) osteopathy;

(2) dentistry;

(3) podiatry;

(4) nursing;

(5) optometry;

(6) psychology;

(7) chiropractic;

(8) pharmacy;

(9) acupuncture and oriental medicine; or

(10) physical therapy;

G. [any] an act, task or function performed by a physician assistant at the direction of and under the supervision of a licensed physician, when:

(1) the assistant is [registered and has biennially renewed his registration with] currently licensed by the board [as one qualified by training or experience to function as an assistant to a physician];

(2) the act, task or function is performed at the direction of and under the supervision of a licensed physician in accordance with rules promulgated by the board; and

(3) the acts of the physician assistant are within the scope of duties assigned or delegated by the supervising licensed physician and the acts are within the scope of the assistant's training;

H. [any] an act, task or function of laboratory technicians or technologists, x-ray technicians, nurse practitioners, medical or surgical assistants or other technicians or qualified persons permitted by law or established by custom as part of the duties delegated to them by:

(1) a licensed physician or a hospital, clinic or institution licensed or approved by the public health division of the department of health or an agency of the federal government; or

(2) a health care program operated or financed by an agency of the state or federal government;

I. a properly trained medical or surgical assistant or technician or professional licensee performing under the physician's employment and direct supervision or a visiting physician or surgeon operating under the physician's direct supervision [any] a medical act that a reasonable and prudent physician would find within the scope of sound medical judgment to delegate if, in the opinion of the delegating physician, the act can be properly and safely performed in its customary manner and if the person does not hold himself out to the public as being authorized to practice medicine in New Mexico. The delegating physician shall remain responsible for the medical acts of the person performing the delegated medical acts;

J. the practice of the religious tenets of [any] a church in the ministration to the sick or suffering by mental or spiritual means as provided by law; provided that the Medical Practice Act shall not be construed to exempt [any] a person from the operation or enforcement of the sanitary and quarantine laws of the state;

K. the acts of a physician licensed under the laws of another state of the United States who is the treating physician of a patient and orders home health or hospice services for a resident of New Mexico to be delivered by a home and community support services agency licensed in this state; provided that [any] a change in the condition of the patient shall be physically reevaluated by the treating physician in the treating physician's jurisdiction or by a licensed New Mexico physician;

L. a physician licensed to practice under the laws of another state who acts as a consultant to a

New Mexico-licensed physician on an irregular or infrequent basis, as defined by rule of the board; and

M. a physician who engages in the informal practice of medicine across state lines without compensation or expectation of compensation; provided that the practice of medicine across state lines conducted within the parameters of a contractual relationship shall not be considered informal and is subject to licensure and [regulation] rule by the board."

Section 18. Section 61-6-18.1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1994, Chapter 80, Section 10) is amended to read:

"61-6-18.1. PUBLIC SERVICE LICENSE.--

A. [A resident physician who holds a postgraduate training license, as provided in Section 61-6-18 NMSA 1978, while serving in a board-approved residency training program in New Mexico, or while enrolled in a board-approved residency training program in another jurisdiction, may apply to the board for a public service license during the resident's tenure in the board-approved residency training program when the resident] Applicants for a public service license shall meet all requirements for licensure and shall:

(1) [obtains] obtain written approval from [his] the training program director of the applicant to pursue a public service practice opportunity outside the residency training program;

(2) [obtains] obtain advance written approval from [his] the training program director of the applicant to return to the residency training program following the period of public service; and

(3) [satisfies any] satisfy other reasonable requirements imposed by the board.

B. A physician with one year postdoctoral training may apply for a public service license when he is under the direct supervision of a licensed physician or has immediate access to a licensed physician by electronic means when the public service physician is employed in a medically underserved area.

C. A public service license shall be valid for a period of time not to exceed twelve months. A public service license may be renewed by the board.

D. An applicant for a public service license shall pay the required fees set forth in Section 61-6-19 NMSA 1978."

Section 19. Section 61-6-19 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1989, Chapter 269, Section 15, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-19. FEES.--

A. The board shall impose the following fees:

(1) an application fee not to exceed four hundred dollars ($400) for licensure by endorsement as provided in Section 61-6-13 NMSA 1978;

(2) an application fee not to exceed four hundred dollars ($400) for licensure by examination as provided in Section 61-6-11 NMSA 1978;

[(3) an examination fee equal to the cost of purchasing the examination plus an administration fee not to exceed fifty percent of that cost;

(4)] (3) a triennial renewal fee not to exceed four hundred fifty dollars ($450);

[(5)] (4) a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for placing a physician's license or a physician assistant's license on inactive status;

[(6)] (5) a late fee not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) for physicians who renew their license within forty-five days after the required renewal date;

[(7)] (6) a late fee not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200) for physicians who renew their licenses between forty-six and ninety days after the required renewal date;

[(8)] (7) a reinstatement fee not to exceed the current application fee for reinstatement of a revoked, suspended or inactive license;

[(9)] (8) a reasonable administrative fee for verification and duplication of license or registration and copying of records;

[(10)] (9) a reasonable publication fee for the purchase of a publication containing the names of all practitioners licensed under the Medical Practice Act;

[(11)] (10) an impaired physician fee not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for a three-year period;

[(12)] (11) an interim license fee not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100);

[(13)] (12) a temporary license fee not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100);

[(14)] (13) a postgraduate training license fee not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) annually;

[(15)] (14) an application fee not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for physician assistants applying for initial licensure;

[(16)] (15) a licensure fee not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for physician assistants biennial licensing and registration of supervising licensed physician;

[(17)] (16) a late fee not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) for physician assistants who renew their licensure within forty-five days after the required renewal date;

[(18)] (17) a late fee not to exceed seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for physician assistants who renew their licensure between forty-six and ninety days after the required renewal date;

(18) a reinstatement fee not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) for physician assistants who reinstate an expired license;

(19) a processing fee not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) for each change of a supervising licensed physician for a physician assistant;

[(19)] (20) a fee not to exceed three hundred dollars ($300) annually for a physician supervising a clinical pharmacist; and

[(20)] (21) an application and renewal fee for a telemedicine license not to exceed four hundred dollars ($400).

B. All fees are nonrefundable and shall be used by the board to carry out its duties efficiently."

Section 20. Section 61-6-21 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1989, Chapter 269, Section 17) is amended to read:

"61-6-21. CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION--PENALTY.--

A. The board may establish rules [and regulations] pertaining to continuing medical education for [physicians and continuing education for physician assistants] licensees.

B. The board may suspend the license [or registration] of [any physician or physician assistant] a licensee who fails to comply with continuing medical education or continuing education requirements until [such time as] the requirements are fulfilled."

Section 21. Section 61-6-23 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1989, Chapter 269, Section 19) is amended to read:

"61-6-23. INVESTIGATION--SUBPOENA.--[For the purpose of investigating complaints] To investigate a complaint against [physicians or physician assistants licensed or registered under the provisions of Chapter 61, Article 6 NMSA 1978] a licensee, the board may issue investigative subpoenas prior to the issuance of a notice of contemplated action [as set forth in Section 61-1-4 NMSA 1978]."

Section 22. Section 61-6-26 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1989, Chapter 269, Section 22, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-26. TRIENNIAL RENEWAL FEES--PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO RENEW LICENSE.--

A. On or before July 1 of every third year, every licensed [practitioner of medicine] physician in this state shall [have applied] apply for a certificate of triennial renewal of license for the ensuing three years. The board may establish a method to provide for staggered triennial renewal terms and may prorate triennial renewal fees and impaired physicians fees until staggered triennial renewal is established. The fact that a [practitioner] licensed physician has not received a renewal form from the board shall not relieve [him] the physician of the duty to renew [his] the license [nor shall such] and the omission [on the part of] by the board shall not operate to exempt [him] the physician from the penalties provided by Chapter 61, Article 6 NMSA 1978 for failure to renew his license.

B. All licensed [practitioners] physicians shall pay a triennial renewal fee and impaired physicians fee as provided in Section 61-6-19 NMSA 1978 and [all practitioners] shall return the completed renewal form together with the renewal fee and [proof of continuing medical education] other required documentation.

C. Each application for triennial renewal of license shall state the [practitioner's] licensed physician's full name, business address, [the date and number of his license] license number and date and all other information requested by the board.

D. A [practitioner] licensed physician who fails to submit his application for triennial renewal on or before July 1 but who submits his application for triennial renewal [within

forty-five days thereafter] by August 15 shall be assessed a late fee as provided in Section 61-6-19 NMSA 1978.

E. A [practitioner] physician who submits the application for triennial renewal between [forty-five and ninety days of the July 1 deadline] August 16 and October 1 shall be assessed a cumulative late fee as provided in Paragraph [(7)] (6) of Subsection A of Section 61-6-19 NMSA 1978.

F. After September 30, the board may, in its discretion, summarily suspend for nonpayment of fees the license of a [practitioner] physician who has failed to renew his license [within ninety days of July 1]."

Section 23. Section 61-6-27 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1945, Chapter 74, Section 2, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-27. ISSUANCE AND DISPLAY OF RENEWAL CERTIFICATE.--The board shall issue to each [duly] licensed [practitioner] physician, upon [his] application in accordance with the provisions of the Medical Practice Act and upon payment of the appropriate fees and upon documentation of continuing education requirements, a certificate of triennial renewal, under the seal of the board, for the ensuing three years. The certificate of renewal shall contain the [practitioner's] licensed physician's name, [his] business address, [the date and number of his license to practice] license date and number and [such] other information as the board deems advisable. The certificate of triennial renewal shall, at all times, be displayed conspicuously in the principal office or practice location of the [practitioner] licensed physician to whom it has been issued."

Section 24. Section 61-6-28 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1945, Chapter 74, Section 3, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-28. [PRACTITIONERS] LICENSED PHYSICIANS CHANGING LOCATION OR BEGINNING PRACTICE.--[Any practitioner] A licensed physician who changes the location of his office or residence [during the period between any two triennial renewal dates] shall [before doing so] promptly notify the board of [such] the change. [Any person who desires to begin the practice of medicine and surgery in this state shall, before beginning such practice, register and pay the triennial renewal fee for that year as provided in the Medical Practice Act.]"

Section 25. Section 61-6-30 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1969, Chapter 46, Section 15, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-30. RESTORATION OF GOOD STANDING--FEES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR DELINQUENT REGISTRANTS.--

A. Before restoring to good standing a license [or certificate of registration which] that has been in a revoked, suspended or inactive status for any cause for more than two years, the board may require the applicant to pass an oral or written examination, or both, to determine [his] present fitness of the applicant to resume practice and may impose conditions in its discretion.

B. The authority of the board to impose terms and conditions includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) requiring the applicant to obtain additional training and to pass an examination upon completion of such training; or

(2) restricting or limiting the extent, scope or type of practice of the applicant.

C. The board shall also consider the moral background and the activities of the applicant during the period of suspension or inactivity.

D. If the board in its discretion determines that the applicant is qualified to be reissued a license [or certificate of registration] in good standing, the applicant shall [also] pay to the board [all fees for the current and all delinquent years] a reinstatement fee not to exceed the current application fee for reinstatement of a revoked, suspended or inactive license."

Section 26. Section 61-6-31 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1989, Chapter 269, Section 27) is amended to read:

"61-6-31. DISPOSITION OF FUNDS--MEDICAL BOARD [OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS] FUND CREATED--METHOD OF PAYMENTS.--

A. There is created the "medical board [of medical examiners] fund".

B. All funds received by the board and money collected under the Medical Practice Act, the Physician Assistant Act and the Impaired [Physician] Health Care Provider Act shall be deposited with the state treasurer who shall place the same to the credit of the medical [examiners] board fund.

[C. All payments out of the fund shall be made on vouchers issued and signed by the secretary-treasurer of the board or his designee upon warrants drawn by the department of finance and administration in accordance with the budget approved by that department.

D.] C. All amounts in the medical board [of medical examiners] fund shall be subject to the order of the board and shall be used only for the purpose of meeting necessary expenses incurred in:

(1) the performance of the provisions of the Medical Practice Act, the Physician Assistant Act and the Impaired [Physician] Health Care Provider Act and the duties and powers imposed [thereby] by the acts; and

(2) the promotion of medical education and standards in this state within the budgetary limits.

[E.] D. All funds [which] that may have accumulated to the credit of the board under any previous law shall be transferred to the medical [examiners] board fund and shall continue to be available for use by the board in accordance with the provisions of the Medical Practice Act, the Physician Assistant Act and the Impaired [Physician] Health Care Provider Act. All money unused at the end of the fiscal year shall not revert, but shall remain in the medical [examiners] board fund for use in accordance with the provisions of the Medical Practice Act, the Physician Assistant Act and the Impaired [Physician] Health Care Provider Act.

[F. The secretary-treasurer and any employee of the board who handles money or who certifies the receipt or disbursal of money received by the board shall, within thirty days after election or employment by the board, execute a bond in accordance with the provisions of the Surety Bond Act conditioned on the faithful performance of the duties of the office or position and on an accounting of all funds coming into his hands.]"

Section 27. Section 61-6-33 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1989, Chapter 269, Section 29, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-6-33. LICENSURE STATUS.--Upon a verified written request, [any practitioner licensed under the Medical Practice Act] a licensee may request [his] that the license be put in retirement, inactive or voluntary lapsed status. Upon request for reinstatement of active status, the board may impose conditions as provided in Section 61-6-30 NMSA 1978."

Section 28. TEMPORARY PROVISION--TRANSFER OF PERSONNEL, PROPERTY, CONTRACTS AND REFERENCES IN LAW.--On July 1, 2003:

A. all functions, personnel, appropriations, money, records, equipment, supplies and other property of the New Mexico board of medical examiners shall be transferred to the medical board;

B. all contracts of the New Mexico board of medical examiners shall be binding and effective on the medical board; and

C. all references in law to the New Mexico board of medical examiners shall be deemed to be references to the medical board.

Section 29. REPEAL.--Sections 61-6-8, 61-6-8.1, 61-6-10.8 and 61-6-29 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1973, Chapter 361, Section 4, Laws 1997, Chapter 187, Section 6, Laws 2001, Chapter 311, Section 8 and Laws 1989, Chapter 269, Section 25, as amended) are repealed.