Section 61-3-10.1 - Hemodialysis technicians; training programs; certification.

61-3-10.1. Hemodialysis technicians; training programs; certification.

A.     A statewide program for certification of hemodialysis technicians is created according to the rules adopted by the board.

B.     Unless certified as a certified hemodialysis technician pursuant to the Nursing Practice Act, no person shall:

(1)     practice as a certified hemodialysis technician; or

(2)     use the title "certified hemodialysis technician", "hemodialysis technician" or other title, abbreviation, letters, figures, signs or devices to indicate or imply that the person is a certified hemodialysis technician.

C.     The board shall:

(1)     maintain a permanent register of all certified hemodialysis technicians;

(2)     adopt rules for certified hemodialysis technician training programs, including standards and curricula;

(3)     provide for periodic evaluation of training programs at least every two years;

(4)     grant, deny or withdraw approval from a training program that fails to meet prescribed standards or fails to maintain a current contract with the board; and

(5)     conduct disciplinary hearings of certified hemodialysis technicians or on the denial, suspension or revocation of certified hemodialysis technician certificates in accordance with the Uniform Licensing Act [61-1-1 NMSA 1978].

D.     Every applicant for certification as a certified hemodialysis technician shall pay the required application fee, submit written evidence of having completed a board-approved training program for hemodialysis technicians and successfully complete a board-approved examination.  The board shall issue a certificate to any person who fulfills the requirements for certification.

E.     Every certificate issued by the board to practice as a certified hemodialysis technician shall be renewed every two years.  The certified hemodialysis technician seeking renewal shall submit proof of employment as a certified hemodialysis technician and proof of having met continuing education requirements adopted by the board.

F.     The board shall set the following nonrefundable fees:

(1)     for initial certification by initial or subsequent examination, a fee not to exceed sixty dollars ($60.00);

(2)     for renewal of certification, a fee not to exceed sixty dollars ($60.00);

(3)     for reactivation of a lapsed certificate after failure to renew a certificate or following board action, a fee not to exceed sixty dollars ($60.00);

(4)     for initial review and approval of a training program, a fee not to exceed three hundred dollars ($300);

(5)     for subsequent review and approval of a training program that has changed, a fee not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200);

(6)     for subsequent review and approval of a training program when a change has been required by a change in board policy or rules, a fee not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00); and

(7)     for periodic evaluation of a training program, a fee not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200).