Requirements for Acupuncture Licensure in the State of New Mexico

Cat Calhoun

Practice Management 3

Since New Mexico is high on the list of places I’d love to live I decided to see what it takes to become a licensed acupuncturist there. I first checked their website, and found some information, but it seemed incomplete. I read through it all, but was still somewhat confused. I picked up the phone and called the office at (505) 476-4630 to see what I could find out. I expected the typical government run-around, but the woman who answered, Wanda, was very friendly and helpful.

In order for new graduates who are not currently licensed/practicing in another state to become licensed to practice acupuncture in New Mexico:

Educational Institution Approval
The first step to licensure is for the New Mexico Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (under the authority of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department) to review and approve the school of oriental medicine which granted the Master’s of Oriental Medicine.
If an institution is not on the pre-approved list (and AOMA is not) then the applicant has two choices:

  • Submit and application for educational institution approval and pay a $225 single use fee for the State to review the educational program and deem it worthy.
  • Convince AOMA to pay the yearly fee of $450 so that graduates can skip this nonsense and the associated per-person fee mentioned in the above bullet point and keep themselves on the approved list.

Candidate Application
Submit a candidate application for licensure and pay a fee of $525.

Apply for Practical and Clinical Exam Skills Exam and pay the fee of $500

The scope of practice in New Mexico is wide for acupuncturists. Licensed acupuncturists in New Mexico may refer to themselves as Doctors of Oriental Medicine and are licensed as Physicians. They are considered primary care providers, are licensed to diagnose and treat any disease, illness, injury, pain and physical/mental illnesses. They can order diagnostic testing and a huge array of treatment options including injection therapies, manipulation and physical medicine modalities which are only options for chiropractors in the State of Texas. They can prescribe Schedule 1 drugs and can perform some surgical procedures. They are reimbursable by Medicare, Workman’s Comp, and are mandated for indemnity, PCP, and “nonprofit” health insurers.

The annual renewal for licensure in New Mexico is $225. If a DOM chooses to use prescriptive drugs in their practice an Expanded Prescriptive Authority Certification (with a fee of $125) is required.

The Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine will send graduates a packet containing all necessary forms, information, checklists for completion, fee schedules, etc. for the asking just to be sure everything is in order. Mine is on the way. 