New Mexico Statutes Chapter 61. Professional and Occupational Licenses § 61-12B-6. Department; duties and powers

(1) evaluate the qualifications of applicants and review the required examination results of applicants. The department may recognize the entry level examination written by the national board for respiratory care or a successor board;

(2) promulgate rules in accordance with the State Rules Act to implement the provisions of the Respiratory Care Act;

(3) issue and renew licenses and temporary permits to qualified applicants who meet the requirements of the Respiratory Care Act; and

(4) administer, coordinate and enforce the provisions of the Respiratory Care Act and investigate persons engaging in practices that may violate the provisions of that act in accordance with the Uniform Licensing Act.

(1) conduct examinations of respiratory care practitioner applicants as required by rules of the department;

(2) reprimand, fine, deny, suspend or revoke a license or temporary permit to practice respiratory care as provided in the Respiratory Care Act in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Licensing Act;

(3) for the purpose of investigating complaints against applicants and licensees, issue investigative subpoenas prior to the issuance of a notice of contemplated action as set forth in the Uniform Licensing Act;

(4) enforce and administer the provisions of the Impaired Health Care Provider Act and promulgate rules to implement the provisions of that act as it relates to respiratory care practitioners;

(5) promulgate rules, including disciplinary guidelines, relating to impaired practitioners;

(6) promulgate rules to allow the interstate transport of patients; and

(7) promulgate rules to determine and regulate the scope and qualifications for expanded practice for respiratory care practitioners.