New Mexico § 52-5-1.4 - Ombudsman program
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 52-5-1.4 — Ombudsman program, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 52-5-1.4. Ombudsman program
A. The director shall establish an ombudsman program to assist injured or disabled
workers, persons claiming death benefits, employers and other persons in protecting
their rights and obtaining information available under workers' compensation and occupational
disease disablement laws. B. An ombudsman shall meet with or otherwise provide information to injured or disabled
workers, investigate complaints and communicate with employers, insurance carriers
and health care providers on behalf of injured or disabled workers. An ombudsman shall otherwise assist unrepresented claimants, employers and other
parties to enable them to protect their rights in the workers' compensation and occupational
disease disablement system. At least one specially qualified employee in each location that the administration
has an office shall be designated by the director as an ombudsman, and duties described
in this section shall be that person's primary responsibility. The director may designate additional ombudsmen and assign them as the director
deems appropriate. C. An ombudsman need not be an attorney but shall demonstrate familiarity with workers'
compensation and occupational disease disablement laws. D. An ombudsman shall not be an advocate for any person and shall restrict ombudsman's
activities to providing information and facilitating communication. An ombudsman shall not assist a claimant, employer or any other person in any proceeding
beyond the informal conference held pursuant to Section 52-5-5 NMSA 1978 . E. Each employer shall notify the employer's employees of the ombudsman service in
a manner prescribed by the director. The notice shall include the posting of a notice in one or more conspicuous places. The director shall also describe clearly the availability of the ombudsmen on the
first report of accident form required under Section 52-1-58 NMSA 1978, or the first report of disablement form required under Section 52-3-51 NMSA 1978 .
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 52-5-1.4
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 52-5-1.4 cover?
Section 52-5-1.4 ("Ombudsman program") is part of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Mexico. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Mexico § 52-5-1.4?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 52-5-1.4" (New Mexico). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Mexico law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Mexico official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Mexico attorney.
How does New Mexico § 52-5-1.4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Mexico can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Mexico.