The New Mexico Workers' Compensation Administration has one judge vacancy based on Judge Couture's resignation in November. Judge Bayless was not renewed. So, when she leaves in the next few months, there will be two.

We have been told that trials in those case will not be scheduled until the vacancies are filled.

Resolution of the cases assigned to Judges' Couture and Bayless will be delayed at least six months probably more. 

Judge Couture resigned to return to nursing. It's unclear why the Workers' Compensation Administration Director did not renew Judge Bayless' appointment.

I hope that the vacancies are filled with well qualified candidates and that the delays will be minimized.