Senate clarifies telehealth law to restore services by licensed social workers

Senator Figueroa carried Senate Bill 252, a clarification to New Mexico’s telehealth law that restores telehealth service authority to licensed master's social workers who were temporarily affected by a new interpretation this spring.

The bill removes duplicative language and makes explicit that licensed social‑work categories covered by state licensure may provide telehealth in line with their scope of practice. Figueroa explained the bill was prompted by a spring interpretation that had resulted in licensed master social workers being told to stop providing telehealth in some contexts, which disrupted services for veterans and rural clients; the legislature provided temporary permission for continued work pending statutory clarification.

Senator Woods questioned whether certain assessments require in‑person visits; sponsors and supporters stressed that scope of practice remains governed by professional boards and that licensing boards determine what services each licensed category may provide via telehealth. A minor floor amendment deleted duplicative wording and was adopted on a voice vote.

The motion for final passage carried with a recorded floor tally showing 34 in favor, 0 opposed. The sponsor and several supporters emphasized the bill’s role in restoring services and access in rural areas and among veterans who rely on telehealth.