New Mexico § 61-3-8 - Board created; members; qualifications; terms; vacancies; removal
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 61-3-8 — Board created; members; qualifications; terms; vacancies; removal, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 61-3-8. Board created; members; qualifications; terms; vacancies; removal
A. There is created a seven-member “board of nursing”. The board shall consist of four licensed nurses, one preferably a licensed practical
nurse, and three members who shall represent the public and shall not have been licensed
as registered or licensed practical nurses, nor shall the public members have any
significant financial interest, direct or indirect, in the profession regulated. Not more than two board members shall be appointed from any one county, and not
more than two registered nurse members shall be from any one field of nursing. Members of the board shall be appointed by the governor for staggered terms of four
years each. Nurse members shall be appointed from lists submitted to the governor by any generally
recognized organization of nurses in this state. Appointments shall be made in such manner that the terms of no more than two board
members expire on July 1 of each year. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the governor for the unexpired term
within sixty days of the vacancy. Board members shall serve until their successors have been appointed and qualified. B. Members of the board shall be citizens of the United States and residents of this
state. Registered nurse members shall be licensed in this state, shall have had, since
graduation, at least five years' experience in nursing, shall be currently engaged
in professional nursing and shall have been actively engaged in professional nursing
for at least three years immediately preceding appointment or reappointment. The licensed practical nurse member shall be licensed in this state, shall have
been graduated from an approved licensed practical nursing education program, shall
have been licensed by examination, shall have had at least five years' experience
since graduation, shall be currently engaged in licensed practical nursing and shall
have been actively engaged in licensed practical nursing for at least three years
immediately preceding appointment or reappointment. C. No board member shall serve more than two full or partial terms, consecutive or
otherwise. D. Any board member failing to attend seventy percent of meeting days annually, either
regular or special, shall automatically be removed as a member of the board. E. The governor may remove any member from the board for neglect of any duty required
by law, for incompetency or for unprofessional or dishonorable conduct, in accordance
with regulations prescribed by the board. F. In the event of a vacancy on the board for any reason, the secretary of the board
shall immediately notify the governor, the board members and any generally recognized
nursing organization of the vacancy, the reason for its occurrence and the action
taken by the board, so as to expedite the appointment of a new board member.
Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 61-3-8
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 61-3-8 cover?
Section 61-3-8 ("Board created; members; qualifications; terms; vacancies; removal") 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 § 61-3-8?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 61-3-8" (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 § 61-3-8 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.