Nursing home quality of care is of grave concern in the state of New Mexico, which does not have licensing or inspection requirements for nursing home residences. Because bordering states have stricter regulations surrounding the operation of nursing home facilities, for-profit businesses are taking advantage of New Mexico’s zoning regulations to open up nursing home residences. The state’s failure to provide regulations for nursing home care standards, poses risks for nursing home residents who may not receive proper care. The state is attempting to adopt stricter regulations, including monitoring and oversight of nursing home residences, which will hopefully close any loopholes for less than adequate nursing homes.

Editorial: “New Mexico's assisted-living homes need uniform regulation” The Albuquerque Tribune, August 7, 2007.