New Mexico Statutes Chapter 24. Health and Safety § 24-17B-2. Definitions

A. “department” means the department of health;

B. “direct care service” means services provided to long-term care facility residents that maintain or improve the health and quality of life of the residents;

C. “direct care service staff member” means a person employed by or contracted with a long-term care facility to provide in-person direct care services to long-term care facility residents. “Direct care service staff member” does not include a registered nurse licensed pursuant to the Nursing Practice Act or a physician licensed pursuant to the Medical Practice Act who has received specialized training or education in geriatric care; and

D. “long-term care facility” means a long-term care facility licensed by the state that is not otherwise required to provide at least four hours of dementia care training under state or federal law. “Long-term care facility” does not include a facility licensed pursuant to the Public Health Act as an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities.