HHS Finalizes Policy Changes for Medications Used in Opioid Treatment Programs

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released Feb. 2 a final rule to make permanent COVID-19 flexibilities allowing patients in Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) to receive unsupervised doses of methadone and use of telehealth when initiating buprenorphine. The HHS also updated OTPs admission criteria and standards to promote practitioner autonomy, removed discriminatory or outdated language, and reduced barriers to care. The Drug Enforcement Administration is expected to release a rule that will pertain to those who are receiving care for substance use disorder but who are not participating in an OTP [refer to Washington Highlights, Oct 13, 2023].