Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

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What is NMserves?
NMserves, (New Mexico’s statewide registry of volunteer healthcare professionals) is part of the Emergency Systems for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP), established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to build a workforce of pre-credentialed healthcare providers and other key volunteer personnel for response in the event of a wide-scale emergency.

How do I register for NMserves?
Registration for NMserves is easy and quick using our on-line volunteer registry program. Simply click on the Register Today or Register Here link which appears on all of this site’s pages.

Do I have to complete the entire registration process at the same time?
You do not have to complete the entire process at the same time. Initially, you begin the registration process by completing a pre-registration screen where you will create and submit a username and password. Following that, you will receive an email instructing you on how to log in to NMserves to complete the registration process. If you must exit the site before completing the registration process, the information you had already completed will be saved. You can then log in at a later time using your username and password to complete your registration.

Can I change my information once it has been entered into the NMserves database?
When you register you will create a username and password. You can log into the system at anytime using your username and password to make changes to your information. This is especially important for keeping your licensure and/or certification information current. The NMserves registry system will email you a reminder when your license or certification is nearing expiration.

Do I have to be part of a pre-established team to register?
No. NMserves will accept volunteers as single registrants. During the registration process you will be requested to indicate if you are a member of another volunteer organization such as the Medical Reserve Corp (MRC), Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team, American Red Cross, etc. It is important that you provide this information because of the importance of coordination with other voluntary organizations that may be called upon to respond to an emergency or disaster. NMserves will use this information to allow ample time for the other organizations to roster their teams, if necessary, for a deployment.

Can other emergency response organizations register their teams in NMserves?
Yes they can. Coordinators for emergency response organizations should contact a member of the NMserves program staff for more information.

What kind of information do I need to provide to register as a volunteer for NMserves?
You will need to provide personal background information and if applicable, your professional license and board certification(s) number (s); issue and expiration date(s); hospital privileges and clinical activity status.

Is my personal information safe?
Your information will be contained within a central, secure database administered by the New Mexico Department of Health Bureau of Health Emergency Management. Your information will ONLY be used to engage you in activities related to the NMserves program including recruitment for participation in disaster drills or exercises; providing you with program information; or for requesting your assistance at the time of a large-scale disaster or public health emergency. Under no circumstances will this information be sold to or otherwise shared with any entity that is not a direct or indirect partner of NMserves.

How will I be contacted if I am chosen to be activated for an assignment?
Your information will be contained within a central, secure database administered by the New Mexico Department of Health Bureau of Health Emergency Management. Your information will ONLY be used to engage you in activities related to the NMserves program including recruitment for participation in disaster drills or exercises; providing you with program information; or for requesting your assistance at the time of a large-scale disaster or public health emergency. Under no circumstances will this information be sold to or otherwise shared with any entity that is not a direct or indirect partner of NMserves.

Is there any protection for liability or workman’s compensation provided while I am volunteering with NMserves?

Tort Liability - All NMserves volunteers who are acting on behalf or in the service of a New Mexico governmental entity (i.e., New Mexico Department of Health or NMDOH, New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, etc.) and performing duties that are requested, required or authorized, regardless of time and place of performance, are entitled to the liability protections of the New Mexico Tort Claims Act (TCA). healthcare professionals licensed by New Mexico or otherwise permitted by law to provide healthcare services are covered for liability for damages caused by negligent acts or omissions committed in the performance of duties as a volunteer. NMserves volunteers who are non-licensed healthcare professionals or lay volunteers are entitled to immunity from tort liability, unless immunity is waived for the specific activities in which they are engaged, in which case they are covered for liability for damages caused by negligent acts or omissions committed in the performance of duties as a volunteer.

NMserves volunteers may also be entitled to the liability protections afforded under the Federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, subject to certain limitations and exceptions.

Workers’ Compensation - Although NMserves volunteers are not employed by the NMDOH, all unpaid licensed healthcare professionals registered with NMserves who are deployed by the NMDOH in response to a declared public emergency or public health emergency, or deployed by the NMDOH outside New Mexico in response to a request for emergency assistance under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), are “public employees” of the State of New Mexico and entitled to NM workers’ compensation benefits. There is no coverage for injury or death occurring during emergency preparedness training, drills or exercises prior to an emergency.

NMserves volunteers who are non-licensed healthcare professionals or lay volunteers are not covered by NM workers’ compensation benefits for injury or death occurring during volunteer services since they are not “public employees” of New Mexico.

Is any training required? Are there ongoing training opportunities?

All NMserves volunteers must complete:

National Incident Management System courses http://training.fema.gov/IS/NIMS.asp

IS 100.a – Introduction to Incident Command System
IS-200.a – ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS-700 or 700.a – National Incident Management System (NIMS)
OSHA 1910.120 – Hazmat Awareness http://training.fema.gov/IS/crslist.asp
IS 5.A – An Introduction to Hazardous Materials
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) http://www.nmsphere.org

Be sure to keep copies of the training certificates you receive upon completion of these courses. Copies of these certificates must be provided to NMserves program staff before you can be fully credentialed for deployment through NMserves.

Ongoing classroom and on-line training opportunities will be offered to NMserves volunteers. Information on upcoming classes will be posted to the Announcements page of this website.

What if I am unable or willing to respond to a request for a volunteer assignment?
You always have the right to refuse a request for your volunteer services.

For further information or if you have questions or concerns that have not been addressed, please feel free to contact any of the following individuals:

Kelly K. Zunie, ESAR- VHP/NMserves Coordinator: 505.476.8207

Bobbie MacKenzie , NMserves Member Services Coordinator: 505.476.8302