What must the supervising physician actually do in New Mexico?
Oversight · part of The Practice Perimeter
Short answer
Write and own the protocols — the clinical supervisor (an APRN or other licensed independent practitioner) must develop or approve and implement written protocols for every procedure the facility offers, including how to identify and respond to adverse events.
develops or approves and implements written protocols for all aesthetic healthcare procedures performed at the aesthetic healthcare facility. The protocols must provide sufficient and specific details, including guidance on identifying and responding to adverse events, to assure that making independent healthcare decisions does not become the responsibility of individuals without the appropriate scope of practice to make such decisions.
16.12.14.9(B)(5) NMAC (Clinical supervisor) · verified Sep 4, 2026 · regulatory monitoring, not legal advice
Related New Mexico rules
The use of medical therapeutic and cosmetic devices is the practice of medicine as defined in Section 61-6-1 NMSA 1978. A. Limitations. (1) Medical assistants are limited to using medical therapeutic and cosmetic devices that are non-incisive and non-ablative. (2) Medical therapeutic and cosmetic devices may only be used by a medical assistant who is certified pursuant to Subsection D of 16.10.13.7 NMAC and when the supervising physician is immediately available on the premises.
16.10.13.8 NMAC (Use of medical therapeutic and cosmetic devices) · verified Sep 4, 2026
The supervising physician shall prepare a written protocol for the medical assistant to follow when using the medical therapeutic or cosmetic device. The protocol may include pre and post care treatment related to the procedure as long as the treatment is topical and non-injectable. The physician is responsible for ensuring that the medical assistant uses the medical therapeutic or cosmetic device only in accordance with the written protocol and does not exercise independent medical judgment when using the device.
16.10.13.8(B)(5) NMAC (Responsibility of the supervising physician) · verified Sep 4, 2026
How other states answer this
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Related New Mexico questions
- Does a med spa in New Mexico need a medical director?
- Who may operate a cosmetic laser in New Mexico?
- Can a medical assistant give injections in New Mexico?
- May an esthetician or laser technician perform microneedling in New Mexico?
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