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In an effort to combat the ongoing opioid crisis, New Mexico's Department of Health announced proposed changes to regulations governing opioid prescriptions. The proposed changes come as part of a broader initiative to reduce opioid misuse and improve patient safety within the state.As of April 16, 2026, the Department of Health has proposed amendments to the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) regulations. The changes would require healthcare providers to consult the PMP before prescribing opioids to patients for acute pain. This new requirement aims to prevent overprescribing of opioids and ensure that patients receive appropriate and necessary treatment.Additionally, the proposed regulations would limit the quantity of opioids that can be prescribed for acute pain to a seven-day supply. This limit is in line with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and aims to reduce the risk of opioid dependence and addiction among patients.The Department of Health also proposed changes to the regulations governing opioid treatment programs in the state. Under the new regulations, opioid treatment programs would be required to offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as a standard of care for patients with opioid use disorder. MAT combines medications such as methadone or buprenorphine with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide comprehensive treatment for opioid addiction.These proposed changes are part of a larger effort by the Department of Health to address the opioid crisis in New Mexico. According to data from the New Mexico Department of Health, opioid overdose deaths have been on the rise in recent years, with a record number of deaths reported in 2025.Public hearings on the proposed changes to the regulations are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, giving stakeholders and community members the opportunity to provide input and feedback on the proposed amendments. The Department of Health encourages all interested parties to participate in the public hearings and share their perspectives on the proposed changes.If approved, the new regulations governing opioid prescriptions and treatment programs would go into effect later this year, marking a significant step forward in the state's efforts to combat the opioid crisis and improve patient safety. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it unfolds.