N.M. Admin. Code § 16.10.20.8

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 17, September 10, 2024

Section 16.10.20.8 - LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

The board may issue a license to an applicant who fulfills the following requirements.

A. Completes an application for which the applicant has supplied all information and correspondence requested by the board on forms and in a manner acceptable to the board. Applications are valid for one (1) year from the date of receipt. While an application is pending, the applicant is responsible for providing the board with any changes to the submitted information or to the applicant's oath. Applications shall require the following documentation:

(1) demographic information of the applicant;

(2) educational history;

(3) employment history;

(4) professional references;

(5) examination information;

(6) certification information;

(7) other state licensure information;

(8) professional practice questions;

(9) applicant's oath;

(10) passport-quality color photograph taken within six (6) months prior to filing the application; approximate size 2 x 2 inches, head and shoulders only, full face, front view, plain white or off-white background, standard photo stock paper; and, scanned or computer-generated photographs should have no visible pixels or dots; and

(11) applicant's signature.

B. Each applicant for licensure as a polysomnographic technologist shall submit the required fees as established in 16.10.9 NMAC.

C. Verification of licensure in all states or territories where the applicant holds or has held a license to engage in the practice of polysomnography, or other health care profession, shall be sent directly to the board by the other state board(s) by United States postal service, facsimile, or in an electronic format acceptable by the board, and shall attest to the current status, issue date, license number, and other information requested and contained on the form.

D. Passage of the national certifying examination given by the BRPT or an examination equivalent to the BRPT examination, or the NBRC-SDS examination, as approved by the board. Proof of passage shall be sent directly to the board by the certifying entity or in an electronic format acceptable by the board. The board may accept hard copy by United States postal service, facsimile or electronic mail.

E. Proof that the applicant has been credentialed by the BRPT or by another national entity equivalent to the BRPT, as approved by the board.

F. Proof of high school graduation, evidenced by a copy of diploma or general educational development (GED) certificate, or other format acceptable by the board. Proof of a degree from a level of higher education is also acceptable.

G. Proof that the applicant holds current certification of successful completion of formal training in basic cardio pulmonary resuscitation and in the application and management of an automated external defibrillator.

H. Verification of all work experience in the last five (5) years since graduation, if applicable, provided directly to the board from the employer, by letter, or in an electronic format acceptable by the board, or on forms provided by the board.

I. Proof of graduation means official transcripts from an educational program or a certificate acceptable to the board. The applicant shall make arrangements for official transcripts to be sent directly to the board by the educational institution. If official transcripts are not available due to school closure, destroyed records, etc., the applicant shall provide satisfactory evidence to the board that the required polysomnographic educational program has been met for consideration on a case-by-case basis. Proof of completion of a polysomnographic education program, evidenced by:

(1) graduation from a polysomnographic educational program that is accredited by the CAAHEP; or

(2) graduation from a respiratory care educational program that is accredited by the CAAHEP and completion of the curriculum for a polysomnography or sleep diagnostic specialist certificate established and accredited by the committee on accreditation for respiratory care of the CAAHEP; or

(3) graduation from an electroneurodiagnostic technologist educational program with a polysomnographic technology track that is accredited by the CAAHEP; or

(4) successful completion of a sleep technologist educational program that is accredited by the AASM. This option shall expire two (2) years after the date upon which at least three (3) polysomnographic technologist educational programs in New Mexico have been accredited by the CAAHEP.

J. Waiver of the educational requirement. The board may waive the educational requirements set forth in Subsections F and I of this section for an individual continuously engaged in the practice of polysomnography on or before July 1, 2008, pursuant to Subsection B of Section 61-6B-5 of the Polysomnography Practice Act. To be eligible for this waiver, applicants shall meet all other requirements set forth in this section.

K. Personal interview. Upon receipt of a completed application, including all required documentation and fees, the applicant may be scheduled for a personal interview before the board, a board member designated by the board, or a member of the polysomnographic practice advisory committee designated by the board to evaluate that person's qualifications for a license.

L. Initial license period. The applicant who has met all the requirements for licensure shall be issued an initial license for a period of not more than twenty-four (24) months or less than thirteen (13) months, depending on when in the renewal cycle the initial license is issued, in order to schedule the license to renew on March 1.

M. Initial license expiration. Polysomnographic technologist licenses shall be renewed biennially on March 1 as established in 16.10.20.12 NMAC.

N. State and national criminal history screening. All applicants for initial licensure as a polysomnographic technologist are subject to a state and national criminal history screening at their expense. All applicants shall submit two (2) full sets of fingerprints, completed fingerprint certificate form, signed authorization for criminal background screening and background screening fee at the time of application.

(1) Applications for licensure shall not be processed without submission of fingerprints, completed fingerprint certificate form, signed authorization for criminal background screening and fee.

(2) Applications shall be processed pending the completion of the nationwide criminal background screening and may be granted while the screening is still pending.

(3) If the criminal background screening reveals a felony or a violation of the Medical Practice Act or the Polysomnography Practice Act, the applicant/licensee shall be notified to submit copies of legal documents and other related information to the board, which shall make the determination if the applicant is eligible for licensure or if disciplinary action will be taken. Questions of felony or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude directly related to employment in the profession need to be resolved satisfactorily. If the prior conviction does not relate to employment in the profession, the board may require proof that the person has been sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust. Proof of sufficient rehabilitation may include, but not be limited to: certified proof of completion of probation or parole, payment of fees, community service or any other court ordered sanction.

N.M. Admin. Code § 16.10.20.8

16.10.20.8 NMAC - N, 1/1/10; A, 10/11/13