A. The "naturopathic doctors' advisory council" is created as a council to the board under the direction of the board. The council shall advise the board regarding:

(1) licensure of naturopathic doctors; and

(2) the board's approval of matters relating to the training and licensure of naturopathic doctors.

B. By July 1, 2019, the board shall appoint an initial council of one member for a term of four years and two members for terms of three years each. The initial council shall consist of three voting members as follows:

(1) either:

(a) two members of an association; or

(b) one member of an association and one member who is a physician licensed pursuant to the Medical Practice Act who has worked collaboratively with a member of an association for at least two years prior to being appointed to the council; and

(2) one member who is a resident of the state who is not, and never has been, a licensed health care practitioner and who does not have an interest in naturopathic education, naturopathic medicine or naturopathic business or practice.

C. As the terms of the initial council members expire, the board shall appoint successors for terms of four years each as follows:

(1) either:

(a) two licensees; or

(b) one licensee and one member who is a physician licensed pursuant to the Medical Practice Act [Chapter 61, Article 6 NMSA 1978] who has worked collaboratively with a member of the association for at least two years prior to being appointed to the council; and

(2) one member who is a resident of the state who is not, and never has been, a licensed health care practitioner and who does not have an interest in naturopathic education, naturopathic medicine or naturopathic business or practice.

D. By August 1, 2019, the board shall call the first meeting of the council, at which meeting members shall elect a chair. By August 1, 2020 and at least once during each calendar quarter thereafter, the council shall hold a meeting at the call of the chair. The council may hold additional meetings at the call of the chair or at the written request of any two members of the council.

E. Vacancies on the council shall be filled by the board from a list of not fewer than three candidates provided by the association.

F. A majority of the council membership shall constitute a quorum.

G. At the discretion of the board, members of the council may receive per diem and mileage reimbursement pursuant to the Per Diem and Mileage Act [10-8-1 through 10-8-8 NMSA 1978] and shall receive no other compensation, perquisite or allowance.

History: Laws 2019, ch. 244, § 11.

Effective dates. — Laws 2019, ch. 244 contained no effective date provision, but, pursuant to N.M. Const., art. IV, § 23, was effective June 14, 2019, 90 days after the adjournment of the legislature.