Bill > HB171

This bill amends the Pharmacy Act to allow licensed custodial care facilities to acquire, stock, and possess controlled substances specifically for withdrawal management purposes, under specific conditions. To qualify, these facilities must have a consulting pharmacist and maintain nursing staff on-site 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The bill defines "controlled substance" as drugs listed in Schedules III and V of the Controlled Substances Act, which typically include medications with lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule I and II substances. The law will take effect on January 1, 2026, providing facilities time to prepare for compliance. The primary goal appears to be enabling custodial care facilities to more effectively manage patient withdrawal processes by allowing them to directly maintain and administer controlled substances under professional supervision, which could potentially improve patient care and treatment outcomes in these settings.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=171&year=25