The objective of Part 9 of Chapter 16 is to set forth the requirements and procedures for placing a New Mexico license on inactive status. Through the inactive status process, licensees who live and practice outside of New Mexico can keep their New Mexico licenses valid instead of allowing them to expire and perhaps subsequently become null and void and lapse. Furthermore, the board can still ensure that these licensees are continuing the educational process and keeping up with advancements in the profession in the event they ever take up residence in New Mexico and/or choose to practice optometry in New Mexico.
N.M. Admin. Code § 16.16.9.6