N.M. Admin. Code § 9.2.19.6
These rules govern the conduct of the office in fulfilling its duties under the OAA and the New Mexico Long-Term Care Ombudsman Act by protecting the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents of long-term care facilities in this state, to investigate and resolve complaints of such residents, and to report on conditions of long-term care facilities. The department shall establish and operate the office either directly or by contract or other arrangement with a public agency or non-profit private organization. The office is a distinct entity, separately identifiable, located within or connected to the department, and, in the event the department enters into contract or other arrangement with a public agency or non-profit organization, that agency or organization shall establish a separately identifiable, distinct entity as the office.
N.M. Admin. Code § 9.2.19.6