§ 61-12D-2 NMSA 1978

The purpose of the Physical Therapy Act is to protect the public health, safety and welfare and provide for control, supervision, licensure and regulation of the practice of physical therapy. To carry out those purposes, only individuals who meet and maintain minimum standards of competence and conduct may engage in the practice of physical therapy. The practice of physical therapy is declared to affect the public interest and that act shall be liberally construed so as to accomplish the purpose stated in that act.