ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A federal judge in an opinion that outlines the New Mexico Human Services Department's "lack of accountability" has set a series of reform deadlines for the agency.
The Albuquerque Journal reports Judge Kenneth Gonzales on Thursday imposed deadlines on tasks that include training employees and appointing experts in immigration, food assistance and Medicaid.
The judge did not order the removal of five department administrators as recommended by a court-appointed official.
The action is a part of a 30-year-old class-action lawsuit that accused the state of several violations in how department programs were operated.
Department spokeswoman Mary Elizabeth Robertson says that while the agency disagrees with some of the judge's statements, the court recommendations align with its efforts to resolve the litigation.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com