Every answer was written and checked ahead of time, with the official document next to it. Nothing is made up on the spot.
Do I need a license to run a non-medical home care agency in New Mexico?
Not if your care is not medically directed.
HCA's home health agency rule (8.370.22 NMAC) does not apply to businesses that provide only non-medically directed services in a person's home. An agency that provides at least one medically directed service, which can include personal care attendant or homemaker services, must be licensed as a home health agency. 'Medically directed' means the services follow a plan or level of care that a physician reviews and approves at least once a year.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What do I need to provide Medicaid personal care in New Mexico?
HCA program approval, then health plan contracts.
Apply to HCA's Medical Assistance Division for an Agency-Based Community Benefit Program Approval Letter. Then submit the MAD 335 application on YES New Mexico to get a provider type 363 Medicaid number, and contract with each health plan. Your packet includes criminal history screenings, a business license or proof of non-profit status, liability and workers' compensation insurance, and policies. A current home health license can be submitted in place of some of these items.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How much is a New Mexico home health agency license, and how long does it last?
$300; one year.
The fee schedule lists $300 for a home health agency license, for each initial or renewal application. The license is issued for one year. File your renewal with the fee at least 30 days before it expires. If it expires, you must stop operating and apply again as a new agency.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
When must a new caregiver's background check be submitted?
Within 20 calendar days of starting work.
Under 8.370.5 NMAC, care providers must submit fees and application information for a fingerprint-based nationwide and statewide screening no later than 20 calendar days from the first day of employment. The worker may be conditionally employed under supervision while waiting. Certain felony convictions disqualify a worker, such as crimes involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, fraud or theft.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How much training do Medicaid personal care attendants need?
12 hours a year (consumer-delegated).
Under the consumer-delegated model, the agency trains attendants for at least 12 hours a year. Initial training must be finished within three months of hire and include CPR, first aid and a written competency test with a passing score of at least 80%. The agency pays for the training.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Do I have to use AuthentiCare for EVV?
Not for recording visits, since May 20, 2026.
For health plan members, the system became open on May 20, 2026 (September 30, 2025 for fee-for-service). You can keep using AuthentiCare at no cost or pay for your own vendor that sends visit data through the AuthentiCare Data Aggregator. You still add workers in AuthentiCare and use its web portal to review exceptions and bill claims.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How fast must I report a critical incident?
Within 24 business hours.
HCA's Letter of Direction 65 and its critical incident protocols say agencies must report within 24 business hours of learning about the incident. If it happens on a weekend or holiday, report the next business day. Reports go to the HCA MAD Critical Incident Portal or the member's health plan. This does not replace reporting abuse, neglect or exploitation to APS.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Which Medicaid health plans operate in New Mexico?
Four.
Turquoise Care is run by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Molina Healthcare, Presbyterian Health Plan and UnitedHealthcare. They authorize Agency-Based Community Benefit services and hold the provider contracts.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Can a family member be a paid personal care attendant?
Sometimes, with health plan approval.
A spouse, a legal guardian or a parent of a minor child is a legally responsible individual (LRI). An LRI can be paid only in extraordinary circumstances, with a request approved each year by the health plan. A family member can't be paid for care that would otherwise be given anyway, and an attendant who lives in the household can't be paid for routine household chores unless the tasks are specific to the person (such as their room, laundry or special diet).
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What is New Mexico's minimum wage?
$12 an hour.
The state minimum wage has been $12 an hour since January 1, 2023, with overtime at 1½ times the regular rate after 40 hours a week. Santa Fe, Santa Fe County and Las Cruces have higher local minimum wages.
Written and checked September 23, 2026