44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

RELATING TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT; PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF METHADONE CLINICS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. METHADONE CLINICS--DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REGULATION.--

A. The federal government requires the state to approve the establishment of all new methadone clinics. In an effort to maintain compliance with the federal requirement, the department of health shall regulate the establishment and continuance of methadone clinics in New Mexico in accordance with its powers and duties as the state's public health agency and drug abuse agency.

B. In regulating methadone clinics, the department shall perform an assessment of the need for clinics and develop clinical and administrative standards as required by federal law. The department may consider other factors it deems necessary to ensure the provision of drug abuse treatment services and the protection of the health and safety of New Mexico citizens.

C. For the purposes of this section, "methadone clinic" means a public or private facility for the detoxification treatment or maintenance treatment of narcotic addicts.