New Mexico Moves to Expand Access to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New Mexico's Health Care Authority (HCA) is proposing rule changes to align with updated federal regulations regarding medications for opioid use disorder (OUD). These changes, based on 42 CFR Part 8, aim to broaden treatment access, reduce stigma, and prioritize patient-centered care. A public hearing is scheduled for March 24, 2026, to gather feedback on the proposed amendments to 8.321.10 NMAC.

Why it matters

The proposed rule changes in New Mexico reflect a broader shift in how opioid use disorder is treated, with increased focus on expanding access to medication-assisted treatment, incorporating harm reduction strategies, leveraging telehealth, and emphasizing patient-centered care.

The details

The HCA's action stems from revisions to 42 CFR Part 8, which took effect on April 2, 2024. These federal updates modernize standards for Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs), focusing on evidence-based practices and patient needs. Key changes include updated terminology, eliminating unnecessary barriers to admission, and incorporating harm reduction principles into treatment plans. The proposed rule changes in New Mexico reflect these federal updates, aiming to align state regulations with the expanded access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) outlined in 42 CFR Part 8. This includes removing requirements like a one-year opioid addiction history for admission and allowing electronic consent for treatment.

• The federal updates to 42 CFR Part 8 took effect on April 2, 2024.
• The public hearing on the proposed rule changes in New Mexico will be held on March 24, 2026.
• The deadline for submitting written comments is 5:00 p.m. MDT on March 24, 2026.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.