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Kevin S. Settlement
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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.

Home » Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA)

Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA)

The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) Program is designed to support families whose child has been born substance exposed. New Mexico passed legislation in 2019 to provide plans of safe care, which refer families to voluntary support and treatment services for the newborn and their caregivers. During the 2025 New Mexico Legislative Regular Session, the Governor signed Senate Bill 42 into law that made significant changes to the implementation of CARA in New Mexico.

The Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act (CARA) outlines crucial protocol related to supporting substance exposed newborns and their families.

 Per Senate Bill (SB42), the HCA is required to provide training to support personnel in understanding roles, responsibilities, and procedures associated with CARA, SB42, and NMAC 8.3.2.  The HCA has tasked the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) with creating and implementing this training and we are excited to announce that the required CARA Advanced Competency course is available on TRAIN New Mexico (TrainNM) as of June 12th, 2026. This comprehensive self-paced training module will help you feel more prepared to support substance-exposed newborns exhibiting signs or symptoms of withdrawal and their families in compliance with SB42 and NMAC 8.3.2.

Please see the attachment titled “Accessing CARA Advanced Competency Training” to preview course content and instructions surrounding how to register for the training.

The process below outlines what is required from you to support this mandatory training initiative:

Action Required
**Use the linked document titled “Accessing CARA Advanced Competency Training” to help guide you through the process of creating a TrainNM account if you do not already have one.**

Once logged in to TrainNM:

  • Click on Courses
  • Search for CARA Advanced Competency or the course number 1137783
  • Click on the CARA Advanced Competency hyperlink
  • Click Launch
  • Read the introductory paragraphs and then click Pre-assessment or Start Course
  • Complete each module, including the final quiz (10 questions)

Important Notes

  • You must score an 80% or higher on the final quiz in order to receive credit for completing this training
  • You do not need to complete the course in one sitting; your progress will be saved when you exit the course
  • After completing the training, click the Quit button at the top righthand corner
  • You will be prompted to provide feedback – please do so
  • You should receive emails confirming course enrollment and completion
  • If you would like to print or download a course completion certificate, see the attached document that outlines how to do so (page 9 item 13)
  • Please direct questions or help requests to: DOH.CARAtrainingsupport@doh.nm.gov

Click here: CARA Advanced Competency – NM.TRAIN – an affiliate of the TRAIN Learning Network powered by the Public Health Foundation to access and complete the training.

Accessing ARA Advanced Competency Training 6.11.26

 

Changes Coming to CARA

As of July 1, 2026, the administrative and oversight responsibilities for CARA will move  from the Children, Youth and Families Department to the Health Care Authority.

The Plan of Safe Care (POSC) will include substance use disorder (SUD) treatment or prevention services and will include either Home Visiting services or early intervention Family Infant Toddler (FIT) services.

A universal, evidenced-based screening tool will help providers assess needed services for the mother and evaluate the health of the newborns.

Hospitals and health care providers will be trained on CARA and the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model.

How CARA helps newborns and mothers

CARA aims to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use during pregnancy and increase access to services. Universal substance use screening helps providers refer patients to the program during and after pregnancy.

CARA connects pregnant people to evidence-based harm reduction support services to help them meet their health goals.

CARA supports families with physical and emotional needs during and after pregnancy and referrals to community-based support services that enhance family development and support the child’s growth and health.

CARA Navigators

With the Department of Health and HCA, CARA Navigators will work closely with families, hospital staff, and managed care organizations (MCOs) to identify needs and coordinate services for the newborn, mother, and family.  CARA Navigators will work with families during pregnancy, provide in person support and information at the hospital, and will support and follow the mother and baby after discharge.

A Plan of Safe Care (POSC) to Support Families

A Plan of Safe Care, developed for each family, helps to ensure stability, safety, and well-being after leaving the hospital. The Plan of Safe Care may include, but are not limited to:

  • Medical & Behavioral Health Services
  • Substance Use Treatment & Recovery programs
  • Early Childhood services such as Home Visiting, Early Intervention, and Child Care
  • Assistance with other programs such as TANF, SNAP, WIC, and housing support

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, dial #SAFE from a mobile phone or call (855)-333-7233.

Resources for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) prescribers:

Other Resources: