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Committee advances bill barring state‑funded juvenile programs from restricting medication‑assisted treatment
Summary
House Bill 152 would bar state agencies from operating or contracting with juvenile residential or outpatient substance use programs that prohibit access to medication for addiction treatment (MAT); the committee voted 6‑4 to advance the bill after extensive discussion about rural access and implementation funding.
Representative Chavez introduced House Bill 152 to prevent state agencies and contractors from operating facilities or programs that bar medication for addiction treatment (MAT) for adolescents in inpatient or outpatient substance‑use treatment, juvenile correctional facilities or juvenile detention settings.
Dr. Nathan Birnbaum, a family physician who testified as an expert, said MAT is the evidence‑based standard of care for adolescents with opioid and other substance use disorders and cited recommendations from professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Society of Addiction Medicine. “Medication for addiction treatment is associated with improved retention in care in adolescents,” he said, and it “decreases rates of overdose and death.” Disability Rights New Mexico and other advocates spoke in support.
The bill applies only to programs that are operated or funded by the state. Sponsor Chavez and witnesses emphasized the measure does not force clinicians to give MAT to any patient; rather, it forbids state‑funded programs from enforcing policies that categorically exclude MAT as an option for youth when clinically appropriate. “If state funds are being used there, that the accepted treatment of medication assisted treatment must be at least a possibility for the youth who need it,” the sponsor said.
Members raised implementation concerns. Representative Jones expressed support for MAT generally but asked whether the bill could unintentionally reduce access in rural areas by creating new operational requirements (nursing staff, controlled medication handling) for programs that currently provide only behavioral services. The sponsor and witnesses said an appropriation alongside the bill would fund program development and allow mobile or contracted clinical services where on‑site staffing is not feasible. They pointed to pandemic‑era flexibility in telehealth and mobile models and said some corrections systems already provide MAT.
Committee discussion also covered timelines and practical rollout: the bill includes an effective date beginning July 1, 2026, giving programs time to adapt; witnesses said behavioral services remain important and MAT would be added as an available evidence‑based option rather than replacing psychosocial care.
The committee moved HB152 forward on a 6‑to‑4 vote. Several members who supported the concept said they wanted to continue work on rural implementation and funding to ensure existing behavioral‑only programs are not forced to close without reasonable transition support.
