Certifying clinicians

The clinician who certifies a patient's qualifying condition. The Act says clinician; the draft rule says certifying clinician. 7.35.2.7 NMAC defines a clinician as an approved health care provider licensed in New Mexico who holds a department certification to provide medical services to qualified patients, 7.35.2.7 (C)(4), p. 2. Nothing about the role is in effect yet.

One of the pathways. Sources read September 8, 2026.

RULE7.35.3 NMAC, proposed and not in effect. The draft published August 25, 2026 is the current text; the definitions of 7.35.2.7 NMAC apply to it, 7.35.3.7, p. 1. The draft, section by section

STATUSProposed. Public hearing Friday, October 2, 2026, 9:00 a.m., Harold Runnels Building auditorium, 1190 St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, by video and telephone as well, with written comment accepted. Notice of public hearing, August 25, 2026; the record

APPLYNot yet. No application exists until the rule is adopted and takes effect. The draft has the application filed "using the electronic system designated by the department," 7.35.3.9 (C), p. 3. The department has said applications for clinicians open after producers'. Marijuana Moment, reporting Source New Mexico, August 27, 2026

What the draft asks of a certifying clinician

Every certification applicant submits legal name, address, telephone, and e-mail; a legible copy of a driver's license or comparable photo identification; documentation of the applicable educational requirements; for renewal, continuing education; consent to publication of contact information, an affirmation that the submission is true and accurate, and an attestation of no sex-offender registration in any jurisdiction; and a signature and date. 7.35.3.9 (C), p. 3

A certifying clinician additionally submits documentation of a current professional license to practice and diagnose in New Mexico, a New Mexico controlled substance number, HIPAA certification completed within the preceding two years, a completed W-9, and whatever else the department reasonably requires. 7.35.3.9 (D), p. 3

Education. The educational requirements for certifying clinicians are at 7.35.3.18, p. 11; certification on the basis of a program from another jurisdiction, and the department's list of approved out-of-state programs, at 7.35.3.10, p. 4; requirements and prohibitions once certified at 7.35.3.13, p. 8.

After filing. The department reviews a completed application and notifies the applicant of approval or denial; a denied applicant may re-apply within six months, and a second denial bars re-application for six months. 7.35.3.9 (A), p. 2. Renewal has its own deadline, 7.35.3.9 (B), p. 3.

On the rules site

7.35.3 NMAC: who may train, the hours, every training pathway, specialization, and the rulemaking record.