A. As used in this section, "benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service" means any benefit, program or assistance provided under a statute or regulation, including social security, medicare and medicaid.

B. Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service authorizes the agent to:

(1) execute vouchers in the name of the principal for allowances and reimbursements payable by the United States or a foreign government or by a state or subdivision of a state to the principal, including allowances and reimbursements for transportation of the individuals described in Paragraph (1) of Subsection A of Section 213 [45-5B-213 NMSA 1978] of the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, and for shipment of their household effects;

(2) take possession and order the removal and shipment of property of the principal from a post, warehouse, depot, dock or other place of storage or safekeeping, either governmental or private, and execute and deliver a release, voucher, receipt, bill of lading, shipping ticket, certificate or other instrument for that purpose;

(3) enroll in, apply for, select, reject, change, amend or discontinue, on the principal's behalf, a benefit or program;

(4) prepare, file and maintain a claim of the principal for a benefit or assistance, financial or otherwise, to which the principal may be entitled under a statute or regulation;

(5) initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation concerning any benefit or assistance the principal may be entitled to receive under a statute or regulation; and

(6) receive the financial proceeds of a claim described in Paragraph (4) of this subsection and conserve, invest, disburse or use for a lawful purpose anything so received.

History: Laws 2007, ch. 135, § 214; 1978 Comp., § 46B-1-214 recompiled as § 45-5B-214 by Laws 2011, ch. 124, § 102.

Recompilations. — Laws 2011, ch. 124, § 102 recompiled former 46B-1-214 NMSA 1978 as 45-5B-214 NMSA 1978, effective January 1, 2012.