New Mexico Statutes 61-29-4.4. Additional powers of commission; fingerprinting and criminal history background checks
A. All applicants for licensure as provided for in N.M. Stat. Ann. Chapter 61, Article 29 shall:
(1) be required to provide fingerprints only upon initial licensure on two fingerprint cards for submission to the federal bureau of investigation to conduct a national criminal history background check and to the department of public safety to conduct a state criminal history background check;
(2) pay the cost of obtaining the fingerprints and criminal history background checks; and
(3) have the right to inspect or challenge the validity of the records resulting from the background check if the applicant is denied licensure as established by commission rule.
B. Electronic live scans may be used for conducting criminal history background checks.
C. Criminal history records obtained by the commission pursuant to the provisions of this section are confidential. The commission is authorized to use criminal history records obtained from the federal bureau of investigation and the department of public safety to conduct background checks on applicants for certification as provided for in N.M. Stat. Ann. Chapter 61, Article 29.
D. Criminal history records obtained by the commission pursuant to the provisions of this section shall not be used for any purpose other than conducting background checks. Criminal history records obtained pursuant to the provisions of this section and the information contained in those records shall not be released or disclosed to any other person or agency, except pursuant to a court order or with the written consent of the person who is the subject of the records.
E. A person who releases or discloses the criminal history records or information contained in those records in violation of the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be sentenced pursuant to the provisions of Section 31-19-1 N.M. Stat. Ann..