As the opioid crisis continues, opioid treatment programs (OTPs) are going to face big challenges in the workforce, experts say. “We’re going to face a lack of access, even in areas where there are a lot of programs,” said Zachary C. Talbott, a certified MAT advocate and member of the national board of directors of NAMA Recovery. Mr. Talbott owned and operated Counseling … [Read more...] about Challenges to Hiring and Retaining Good Workers in OTPs
29-5
BAART Sues California City Over NIMBY Blocking Of Clinic
This summer, Bay Area Addiction Research and Treatment (BAART) sued the city of Concord, California after a three-year effort to site its methadone clinic there. Amitai Schwartz represented BAART and BAART’s owner, BayMark Health Services. It is a classic case; everything seemed to be moving forward (with some hitches, of course), and after a few years a site was located. Then … [Read more...] about BAART Sues California City Over NIMBY Blocking Of Clinic
Study: Lack of Nearby OTPs Puts Methadone Patients at Risk of Early Death
Under federal law, newly enrolled methadone patients must attend a methadone program six days a week, so caregivers can watch as patients are dosed. But here’s the problem: Because many new methadone patients don’t have an opioid treatment program (OTP) nearby, this need for daily attendance markedly affects adherence. In fact, 20% to 50% of patients report poor or partial … [Read more...] about Study: Lack of Nearby OTPs Puts Methadone Patients at Risk of Early Death
Expanding OTP Access In California, Where Waiting Lists Are Not Used
California technically doesn’t have waiting lists for opioid treatment programs (OTPs). When a program is full, the operator can ask the state for an increase in slots. If the request is granted—and it usually is—the program then pays for the extra slots in a new license. This flexibility is very helpful to OTP providers. “We adjust our capacity up or down each year,” said … [Read more...] about Expanding OTP Access In California, Where Waiting Lists Are Not Used