Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
What is NM MRC Serves?
NM MRC Serves, (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.
What is the Medical Reserve Corps?
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of local groups of volunteers committed to improving the health, safety, and resiliency of their communities. The National MRC program is headquartered in the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General. Here in New Mexico, the MRC is made up of 13 community-based units that function as a way to organize and utilize volunteers who want to donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies. In 2003, the Albuquerque/University of New Mexico (UNM) MRC Unit became the first in New Mexico. Since then, the MRC in New Mexico has grown dramatically, with 13 units across the State.
How do I register for NM MRC Serves? (How do I register for MRC?)
Registration for MRC is through the NM MRC Serves Data base it is a quick and easy 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 NM MRC Serves 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 NM MRC Serves 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 NM MRC Serves 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. NM MRC Serves 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. NM MRC Serves will use this information to allow ample time for the other organizations to roster their teams, if necessary, for a deployment.
What happens after I register?
Coming Soon...
Can other emergency response organizations register their teams for the MRC in NM MRC Serves?
Yes they can. Coordinators for emergency response organizations should contact a member of the NM MRC Serves program staff for more information.
What kind of information do I need to provide to register as a volunteer in NM MRC Serves?
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 NM MRC Serves 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 NM MRC Serves.
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 NM MRC Serves 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 NM MRC Serves.
Is there protections for liability or workman’s compensation while volunteering with NM MRC Serves?
Tort Liability: All NM MRC Serves 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. NM MRC Serves 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.
MRC volunteers registered with NM MRC Serves 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 MRC volunteers registered with NM MRC Serves are not employed by the NMDOH, all unpaid licensed healthcare professionals registered with NM MRC Serves 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.
NM MRC Serves registered 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 required and ongoing trainings are available on our Training page.
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.
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