Using Telehealth to Improve Buprenorphine Access During and After COVID-19: A Rapid Response Initiative in Rhode Island

Despite its proven efficacy, buprenorphine remains dramatically underutilized for management of opioid use disorder largely due to onerous barriers to treatment initiation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many substance use disorder treatment facilities have reduced their hours and services, exacerbating existing barriers. To this end, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration adjusted their guidelines to allow for new buprenorphine prescriptions following audio-only telehealth encounters, no longer requiring an in-person evaluation prior to treatment initiation.

Source: Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment - January 19, 2021 Category: Addiction Authors: Seth A. Clark, Elizabeth A. Samuels, Rachel S. Wightman, Caroline Wunsch, Lee Ann Jordison Keeler, Neha Reddy, Corey Davis Source Type: research