New Mexico seeks to facilitate review and issuance of professional licenses

NEW MEXICO – New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed new legislation to streamline the statewide professional license review and processing process.

The regulatory reform bill is the result of an executive order filed in October 2021 directing the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department to lead a statewide effort to improve and streamline business, permitting and licensing regulations.

“New Mexico is a business-friendly state, and we are delivering on streamlined professional licensing practices that make our state a more attractive place to live and work,” Lujan Grisham said.

Among the changes HB 191 reform contemplates is an easier review process for qualified applicants moving to New Mexico from other states and seeking professional licenses.

Representative Doreen Gallegos said that by streamlining licensure applications, New Mexico has the ability to address shortages in areas such as nursing, making health care more accessible to the public.

The new reform removes licensure-related barriers unrelated to the profession; it also provides nurses with an expedited permit to practice in New Mexico.

Additionally, changes were made to the grounds for denying the issuance, renewal, suspension or revocation of a license, updating the language and removing different barriers. In addition, the four-year middle and high school education requirement for cosmetology and barbering instructor applicants is eliminated.

It also provides the opportunity to obtain licensure for those who are in good standing and have practiced without complaints to transfer their permits and easily begin work after a move.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff