The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has published its long-awaited proposal for opioid treatment programs (OTPs) to deliver methadone via mobile units, bringing the medication to patients in more convenient locations. The DEA refers to OTPs as “Narcotic Treatment Programs” (NTPs). Under the proposal, OTPs/NTPs don’t need to get a separate registration to … [Read more...] about DEA Proposes Mobile Methadone at Last
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Buprenorphine a Safer Alternative for Opioid Use Disorder, Chronic Pain in the Elderly?
For older individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) resulting from treatment of chronic pain, buprenorphine may be a safer pain management alternative, new research suggests. Results of the review show that in general, there is evidence to support the use of buprenorphine in older patients. It is well tolerated, it has few side effects, and it can improve pain control, … [Read more...] about Buprenorphine a Safer Alternative for Opioid Use Disorder, Chronic Pain in the Elderly?
AATOD, NAMA Concerned About Law Enforcement Threats to Patient Confidentiality
The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) is concerned about recent initiatives that would reduce confidentiality for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) who are being treated with methadone or buprenorphine. Specifically, two proposals from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) would result in information being … [Read more...] about AATOD, NAMA Concerned About Law Enforcement Threats to Patient Confidentiality
SAMHSA Proposes Putting Methadone Information Into PDMPs
In the long-awaited rulemaking amending 42 CFR Part 2, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) said August 22 it will now allow opioid treatment programs (OTPs) to put patient information into Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). Each state has a PDMP, which tracks controlled substances prescribing and dispensing. SAMHSA in 2011 told … [Read more...] about SAMHSA Proposes Putting Methadone Information Into PDMPs
Medicare Part D Insurers Are Making the Opioid Crisis Even Worse: It’s Much Tougher Now to Prescribe Buprenorphine, Easier to Prescribe Opioids
Almost 90% of Medicare Part D insurance companies covered at least one buprenorphine product without restriction back in 2007—but in 2018, only 35% did so. Yet prescription opioids are covered—with no restrictions—in 93% to 100% of recently surveyed plans. The culprit appears to be controls insurance companies impose to hold down costs, such as prior authorization or step … [Read more...] about Medicare Part D Insurers Are Making the Opioid Crisis Even Worse: It’s Much Tougher Now to Prescribe Buprenorphine, Easier to Prescribe Opioids
