WCA to Resume In-Person Proceedings June 6, 2022
The WCA will resume holding in-person trials and enforcement hearings on June 6, 2022 at the Albuquerque and field office locations. Read the press release.
Comment Period for Reappointment of Judge Shanon Riley Open through May 20
Director Doucette is considering re-appointing Judge Shanon Riley to a five-year term. Judge Riley's term expires August 20, 2022. Written comments, which remain confidential, may be submitted until 5 p.m., May 20, 2022. Comments may be addressed to WCA Director Robert Doucette, Jr., c/o Office of General Counsel, Post Office Box 27198, Albuquerque, NM 87125-7198; emailed to gc.clerk@state.nm.us; or faxed to (505) 841-6813.
Proposed Rule Revisions Available for Review
Revisions to the WCA Rules have been posted to the agency's website for public review. The WCA will host a virtual meeting on May 16, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. to receive additional input from the public on the revisions.
Find out more and read the revisions to the Rules.
Promulgation of NMWCA Rules: Internal Timeline
The WCA is conducting a review of existing New Mexico WCA Rules. All stakeholders and the general public will have input at all material stages of this process.
The timeline below is subject to change, but provides a general idea of the process and outline of steps.
Through January 31, 2022: Solicit internal (WCA) recommendations from all bureaus of recommended Rule changes.
- By March 1, 2022: Transmit an email to outside community to solicit input on their suggested Rule changes.
- April 15, 2022: Transmit draft of Rule changes to general public.
- May 16, 2022: Schedule a Zoom meeting to receive general public input on draft Rules.
- June 30, 2022: WCA Office of General Counsel to prepare final draft of rules.
- July 15, 2022: Schedule a Zoom meeting to receive general public input on final draft of Rules.
- August 31, 2022: WCA Office of General Counsel to finalize Rules.
- September 1, 2022: Initiate formal Rule change in accordance with law.
As with any timeline, this is subject to change as circumstances require.
For questions, contact Robert Doucette, Director, at Robert.Doucette@state.nm.us,, or at 505-841-6007.
WCA Adjudication Operations
As the WCA reopens, both mediations and adjudication proceedings will continue with default remote hearings and mediation conferences. However, mediators and judges have the discretion to schedule for in person appearances, especially mindful of the particular needs of pro se litigants. The WCA adjudication team will continue to make adjustments going forward, and as constituency needs indicate.
Unless otherwise ordered by the WCA judge, the parties shall prepare all evidentiary and formal hearings for evidence submission to the WCA judge. Similar to the testimony of all expert witnesses, lay witness testimony shall be submitted via written or video deposition. Upon receipt of the pre-trial order, trial exhibit lists, and exhibit lists, and at the request of the parties, the trial judge may schedule the matter for telephonic or video oral arguments. Following the submission of evidence, the trial judge shall issue a Compensation Order.
Any questions regarding this process should be addressed to the judge or mediator assigned to the individual case.
EDI General Interest
The New Mexico Workers' Compensation Administration (WCA) has completed changes to the IAIABC EDI Edit program and tables to accept the new Pandemic and COVID-19 codes for Cause and Nature. Send all technical or administrative questions through the WCA Helpdesk email: WCA.Helpdesk@state.nm.us.
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Get NMWCA Updates 
Want current information on workers’ compensation for New Mexico? Interested in upcoming agency events, legislative changes, and rule revisions? If so, subscribe to our external newsletter today. The Quarterly Bulletin contains the latest news, updates, and event notices, and provides in-depth articles on workers' compensation in New Mexico. Find it in Publications.
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Public Information Office
For questions on news, announcements, or the Advisory Council, contact Public Information Officer Diana Sandoval-Tapia at (505) 841-6052 or email Diana Sandoval-Tapia.
