The New Mexico Board of Nursing is now able to process and issue licenses for Lactation Care Providers.
The Lactation Care Provider Act (§61-36-1 through $61-36-6 NMSA 1978) was signed into law on 7 April 2017. The Board established their Lactation Care Provider Advisory Committee (LPAC) to assist the Board in its duty to promulgate rules regarding the licensure and regulation of lactation care providers. The LPAC presented draft rules to the Board for consideration in March 2018. The public rulemaking hearing was held on 7 June 2018 with 16.12.11 NMAC Lactation Care Providers going into effect on 30 July 2018.
The LCPAC worked with Board staff to create an initial and renewal license application. During this time, the agency worked with the Department of Public Safety to have the authority to conduct federal and state criminal background checks on lactation care providers applying for licensure.
Licensure in NM as a Lactation Care Provider (LCP) requires a lactation-related certification that meets the scope of practice. Currently the NM Board of Nursing recognizes the following LCP certifications (16.12.11.9 NMAC):
· Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) accredited by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice
· International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) accredited by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners
An individual who holds a certification as a LCP conferred by a certification program accredited by a nationally or internationally recognized accrediting agency that is not an approved certification listed above may petition the NM Board of Nursing and request approval of the certification.
Costs:
· The cost of initial licensure is $60.00.
· The cost of the criminal background check is $44.00.
· The cost of renewing a LCP license is $40.00.
· The cost of reinstating a lapsed LCP license is $60.00.
Welcome Licensed Lactation Care Provider to the New Mexico Board of Nursing.