ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
We ensure that New Mexicans attain their highest level of health by providing whole-person, cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality health care and safety-net services.
Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act
Senate Bill 3 passed with strong bipartisan support during the 2025 legislative session, enacting the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act. This new law takes major steps to strengthen and rebuild New Mexico’s behavioral health system, including significant changes to how behavioral health and substance use treatment programs are managed statewide. As part of these changes, New Mexico’s Behavioral Health Collaborative will officially be sunset on June 20, 2025, when the new law goes into effect.
The Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act takes a regional approach to behavioral health care. Each region, established by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), will identify up to five behavioral health priorities and request funding to implement a four-year plan. This new structure incorporates all three branches of government and brings stakeholders to the table to strengthen our behavioral health care service system.
Early Access Regional Plans
To accelerate access to critical care while regional behavioral health plans are being developed, the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for Early Access Regional Funding. Up to $26 million will be awarded statewide to address four critical behavioral health access shortages: residential treatment, crisis services, medication-assisted treatment for justice-involved individuals, and prenatal and perinatal substance use disorder treatment.
Applications are open at https://newmexicohsd.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/208928. Applications are open through December 19, 2025, with awards to be announced the week of January 26, 2026. This early access funding bridges the gap between planning and implementation—ensuring communities can deliver timely, life-saving care while building toward long-term regional reform.
Any questions or concerns may be addressed to: BHRIAsupport@hca.nm.gov
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Appendix Documents:
Q & A
Early Access Regional Funding | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Standards and Guidelines
As outlined in SB3, the New Mexico Health Care Authority, in consultation with other state agencies, was tasked with providing the Administrative Office of the Courts with an initial set of generally recognized Behavioral Health Service Standards and Evaluation Guidelines by June 1, 2025. These Service Standards and Evaluation Guidelines shall be used and referenced when determining whether each regional plan meets the standards, set forth by the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act.
Behavioral Health Service Standards
1. Behavioral Health Service Standards | June 1, 2025 [Rev July 31, 2025]
This document is intended to provide guidance to existing rules, regulations, and standards recognized by the Behavioral Health Service Division (BHSD) of the New Mexico Health Care Authority. (This is a living document that will be updated accordingly, as needed.)
2. Appendix I — BH Specialty Program Overview | June 1, 2025
Evaluation Guidelines
As outlined in SB3, the Legislative Finance Committee and the New Mexico Health Care Authority was tasked with providing the Administrative Office of the Courts with an initial set of Evaluation guidelines by June 1, 2025.
The evaluation guidelines include methods for evaluating the effectiveness of promising practices and behavioral health services. The Health Care Authority, in consultation with the Legislative Finance Committee, shall confirm if each behavioral health service in a regional plan meets the evaluation guidelines.
- Evaluation Guidelines | June 1, 2025
(This is a living document that will be updated accordingly, as needed.) - Evaluation Guideline Supplement | June 1, 2025
- Appendix I — Sample Evaluation Form for BHSD Funded Training
- Attachment I — BHSD Metrics for Program Inventory
Behavioral Health Executive Committee Meetings
Senate Bill 3 is a transformative policy aimed at rebuilding New Mexico’s behavioral health and substance use care systems. It creates a statewide framework for collaboration, regional planning, and sustained investment to ensure all New Mexicans have access to timely, quality behavioral health care.
The next Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act Executive Committee Meeting is to be announced.
November 12, 2025
MEETING MATERIALS
- November 12, 2025—Public Meeting Notice | English
- 12 de Noviembre de 2025—Aviso Enmendado De Reunión Pública | Español
- November 12, 2025—Agenda
- November 12, 2025—Meeting Minutes
- November 12, 2025—Presentation | HCA Old Business
Presented by Kristie Brooks, HCA Director of Behavioral Health
Transformation & Innovation - November 12, 2025—Presentation | AOC Old Business
Presented by Esperanza Lucero, AOC Behavioral Health Integration
and Reform Administrator - November 12, 2025—Presentation | HCA Reimbursable Behavioral Health Services Presentation
C0-presented by Dana Flannery, HCA Medicaid Director
and Tami J. Spellbring, Deputy Director of Clinical, Crisis and Prevention Services,
Behavioral Health Services Division at HCA - November 12, 2025—Presentation | HCA + AOC Comprehensive Timeline
Presented by Kristie Brooks, HCA Director of Behavioral Health Transformation & Innovation and Esperanza Lucero, AOC Behavioral Health Integration
and Reform Administrator
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act Executive Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, | 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Room 309, Santa Fe, NM 87505
The New Mexico Health Care Authority and the Administrative Office of the Courts announce the fourth meeting of the Executive Committee established under the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act (Senate Bill 3). The Committee continues to shape the structure, cadence, and regional implementation of this landmark legislation, bringing together all three branches of government and community stakeholders to transform behavioral health services statewide. Public participation is encouraged as we work together to build a stronger, more equitable behavioral health system for all New Mexicans.
Public participation is encouraged as we work together to build a stronger, more equitable behavioral health system for all New Mexicans.
Join via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82700436695?pwd=4RJdmpVLppNSSfObtv7lsWeQA6gpNw.1
Meeting ID: 869 8279 2869
Passcode: 368695
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,86982792869#,,,,*368695# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,86982792869#,,,,*368695# US (Houston)
NOTICE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact Lisa Noriega at lisa.noriega@hca.nm.gov at least one week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Contact Lisa Noreiga at lisa.noriega@hca.nm.gov if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed.
AVISO DE REUNIÓN PÚBLICA
Reunión del Comité Ejecutivo de la Ley de Reforma
e Inversión en Salud Conductual
12 de Noviembre de 2025 | 9:00 a.m. a 11:15 a.m.
490 Old Santa Fe Trl, Room 309 (Senate Finance Committee Room)
Santa Fe, NM 87505
La Autoridad de Atención Médica de Nuevo México y la Oficina Administrativa de los Tribunales anuncian la segunda reunión del Comité Ejecutivo establecido bajo la Ley de Reforma e Inversión en Salud Conductual (Proyecto de Ley del Senado 3). El Comité continúa dando forma a la estructura, el ritmo y la implementación regional de esta legislación histórica, reuniendo a los tres poderes del gobierno y a actores comunitarios para transformar los servicios de salud conductual en todo el estado.
Se alienta la participación del público mientras trabajamos juntos para construir un sistema de salud conductual más sólido y equitativo para todos los habitantes de Nuevo México.
Únase vía Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82700436695?pwd=4RJdmpVLppNSSfObtv7lsWeQA6gpNw.1
Meeting ID: 827 0043 6695
Passcode: 086915
Acceso rápido desde móvil
+12532158782,,82700436695#,,,,*086915# US (Tacoma) +13462487799,,82700436695#,,,,*086915# US (Houston)
AVISO PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDADES: Si usted es una persona con una discapacidad que necesita un lector, amplificador, intérprete calificado de lenguaje de señas u otro tipo de ayuda o servicio auxiliar para asistir o participar en la audiencia o reunión, comuníquese con Lisa Noriega al correo electrónico lisa.noriega@hca.nm.gov al menos una semana antes de la reunión o lo antes posible. Los documentos públicos, incluyendo la agenda y las actas, pueden proporcionarse en varios formatos accesibles. Por favor, comuníquese con Lisa Noriega al correo electrónico lisa.noriega@hca.nm.gov si necesita un resumen u otro tipo de formato accesible
September 30, 2025
MEETING MATERIALS
-
- September 30, 2025—Amended Public Meeting Notice and Agenda | English
- 30 de Septiembre de 2025—Aviso Enmendado De Reunión Pública | Español
- September 30, 2025—Agenda
- September 30, 2025—Minutes
- PPT Presentation: New Mexico Health Care Authority Updates
Presented by Kristie Brooks, New Mexico Health Care Authority
Director of Behavioral Health Transformation & Innovation - PPT Presentation: Early Access Regional Plans
Presented by Kristie Brooks, New Mexico Health Care Authority
Director of Behavioral Health Transformation & Innovation
-
- PPT Presentation: Administrative Office of the Courts
Presention by Esperanza Lucero, Administrative Office of the Courts
Behavioral Health Reform & Investment Administrator - PPT Presentation: UNM Health Science Center:
Regional Convening Workshop
Presented by Dr. Caroline Bonham and
Dr. Annette CrisantiUNM Department of Psychiatry
- PPT Presentation: Administrative Office of the Courts
AMENDED PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Room 309 (Senate Finance Committee Room)
Santa Fe, NM 87505
The New Mexico Health Care Authority and the Administrative Office of the Courts announce the second meeting of the Executive Committee established under the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act (Senate Bill 3). The Committee continues to shape the structure, cadence, and regional implementation of this landmark legislation, bringing together all three branches of government and community stakeholders to transform behavioral health services statewide.
Public participation is encouraged as we work together to build a stronger, more equitable behavioral health system for all New Mexicans.
Join via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82700436695?pwd=4RJdmpVLppNSSfObtv7lsWeQA6gpNw.1
Meeting ID: 827 0043 6695
Passcode: 086915
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,82700436695#,,,,*086915# US (Tacoma) +13462487799,,82700436695#,,,,*086915# US (Houston)
NOTICE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact Lisa Noriega at lisa.noriega@hca.nm.gov at least one week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Contact Lisa Noreiga at lisa.noriega@hca.nm.gov if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed.
AVISO DE REUNIÓN PÚBLICA
Reunión del Comité Ejecutivo de la Ley de Reforma
e Inversión en Salud Conductual
30 de Septiembre de 2025 | 9:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m.
490 Old Santa Fe Trl, Room 309 (Senate Finance Committee Room)
Santa Fe, NM 87505
La Autoridad de Atención Médica de Nuevo México y la Oficina Administrativa de los Tribunales anuncian la segunda reunión del Comité Ejecutivo establecido bajo la Ley de Reforma e Inversión en Salud Conductual (Proyecto de Ley del Senado 3). El Comité continúa dando forma a la estructura, el ritmo y la implementación regional de esta legislación histórica, reuniendo a los tres poderes del gobierno y a actores comunitarios para transformar los servicios de salud conductual en todo el estado.
Se alienta la participación del público mientras trabajamos juntos para construir un sistema de salud conductual más sólido y equitativo para todos los habitantes de Nuevo México.
Únase vía Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82700436695?pwd=4RJdmpVLppNSSfObtv7lsWeQA6gpNw.1
Meeting ID: 827 0043 6695
Passcode: 086915
Acceso rápido desde móvil
+12532158782,,82700436695#,,,,*086915# US (Tacoma) +13462487799,,82700436695#,,,,*086915# US (Houston)
AVISO PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDADES: Si usted es una persona con una discapacidad que necesita un lector, amplificador, intérprete calificado de lenguaje de señas u otro tipo de ayuda o servicio auxiliar para asistir o participar en la audiencia o reunión, comuníquese con Lisa Noriega al correo electrónico lisa.noriega@hca.nm.gov al menos una semana antes de la reunión o lo antes posible. Los documentos públicos, incluyendo la agenda y las actas, pueden proporcionarse en varios formatos accesibles. Por favor, comuníquese con Lisa Noriega al correo electrónico lisa.noriega@hca.nm.gov si necesita un resumen u otro tipo de formato accesible
August 5, 2025
MEETING MATERIALS
-
- August 5, 2025—Notice of Public Meeting | English
- August 5, 2025—Aviso de Reunión Pública | Español
- August 5, 2025—Meeting Agenda
- August 5, 2025—Meeting Minutes
- August 5, 2025—Strategic Vision for BHSD | HCA
- August 5, 2025—Enhanced Sequential Intercept Model (E-SIM) | AOC
- August 5, 2025—Planning Grant Overview | AOC
- August 5, 2025—SB2 Funding in 2025 General Appropriation Act | LFC
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, August 5, 2025, | 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Room 322 (Senate Finance Committee Room)
Santa Fe, NM 87505
The New Mexico Health Care Authority and the Administrative Office of the Courts announce the second meeting of the Executive Committee established under the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act (Senate Bill 3). Building on the momentum from the inaugural convening on June 24, 2025, this next session marks another significant step in transforming New Mexico’s behavioral health landscape. The Committee continues to shape the structure, cadence, and regional implementation of this landmark legislation, bringing together all three branches of government and community stakeholders to transform behavioral health services statewide.
Public participation is encouraged as we work together to build a stronger, more equitable behavioral health system for all New Mexicans.
Join via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82161036829?pwd=6ba2CfKjtq4ffaO3IvXgpjXnu12GMH.1
Meeting ID: 821 6103 6829
Passcode: 373299
One tap mobile
+17193594580,,82161036829#,,,,*373299# US
+12532050468,,82161036829#,,,,*373299# US
NOTICE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact Lisa Noriega at lisa.noriega@hca.nm.gov at least one week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Contact Lisa Noreiga at lisa.noriega@hca.nm.gov if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed.
AVISO DE REUNIÓN PÚBLICA
Reunión del Comité Ejecutivo de la Ley de Reforma
e Inversión en Salud Conductual
Martes, 5 de Agosto de 2025 | 10:30 a.m. a 12:30 p.m.
490 Old Santa Fe Trl, Rm 322 (Senate Finance Committee Room)
Santa Fe, NM 87505
La Autoridad de Atención Médica de Nuevo México y la Oficina Administrativa de los Tribunales anuncian la segunda reunión del Comité Ejecutivo establecido bajo la Ley de Reforma e Inversión en Salud Conductual (Proyecto de Ley del Senado 3). Sobre la base del impulso generado en la reunión inaugural del 24 de junio de 2025, esta próxima sesión representa otro paso significativo en la transformación del panorama de la salud conductual en Nuevo México. El Comité continúa dando forma a la estructura, el ritmo y la implementación regional de esta legislación histórica, reuniendo a los tres poderes del gobierno y a actores comunitarios para transformar los servicios de salud conductual en todo el estado.
Se alienta la participación del público mientras trabajamos juntos para construir un sistema de salud conductual más sólido y equitativo para todos los habitantes de Nuevo México.
Únase vía Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82161036829?pwd=6ba2CfKjtq4ffaO3IvXgpjXnu12GMH.1
Meeting ID: 821 6103 6829
Passcode: 373299
Acceso rápido desde móvil
+17193594580,,82161036829#,,,,*373299# US
+12532050468,,82161036829#,,,,*373299# US
AVISO PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDADES: Si usted es una persona con una discapacidad que necesita un lector, amplificador, intérprete calificado de lenguaje de señas u otro tipo de ayuda o servicio auxiliar para asistir o participar en la audiencia o reunión, comuníquese con Lisa Noriega al correo electrónico lisa.noriega@hca.nm.gov al menos una semana antes de la reunión o lo antes posible. Los documentos públicos, incluyendo la agenda y las actas, pueden proporcionarse en varios formatos accesibles. Por favor, comuníquese con Lisa Noriega al correo electrónico lisa.noriega@hca.nm.gov si necesita un resumen u otro tipo de formato accesible
June 24, 2025
- June 24, 2025 — Final Meeting Agenda
- June 24, 2025 — Meeting Minutes
- June 24, 2025 — BHSD Overview of SB3 | HCA
- Kristie Brooks, New Mexico Health Care Authority Director of
Behavioral Health Transformation and Innovation
- Kristie Brooks, New Mexico Health Care Authority Director of
- June 24, 2025 — Proposed Regions, SIM, Timeline | AOC
- Esperanza Lucero, Behavioral Health Integration and Reform Administrator
Senate Bill 3 is a transformative policy aimed at rebuilding New Mexico’s behavioral health and substance use care systems. It creates a statewide framework for collaboration, regional planning, and sustained investment to ensure all New Mexicans have access to timely, quality behavioral health care.