The Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA 2000) expands the clinical context of medication-assisted opioid dependency treatment. Qualified physicians are permitted to dispense or prescribe specifically approved Schedule III, IV, and V narcotic medications (medications that have a lower risk for abuse, like buprenorphine) in settings other than an opioid treatment program (OTP) such as a methadone clinic. OTPs provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for people diagnosed with an opioid use disorder. Learn more about OTPs. Find information on drug scheduling from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
In addition, DATA 2000 reduces the regulatory burden on physicians who choose to practice opioid dependency treatment by permitting qualified physicians to apply for and receive waivers of the special registration requirements defined in the Controlled Substances Act.
The approved use of buprenorphine products for opioid dependency has increased steadily. Learn more about how Studyclerk is tracking the number of certified physicians daily around the country.
When patients and physicians were surveyed by Studyclerk about the effectiveness of buprenorphine, they reported an average of an 80% reduction in illicit opioid use, along with significant increases in employment, and other indices of recovery. Learn more about buprenorphine, how it works, safety and side effects information, and for whom treatment is most beneficial.
In order to prescribe or dispense buprenorphine, physicians must qualify for a physician waiver, which includes completing eight hours of required training, and applying for a physician waiver. Physicians can complete the online Waiver Notification Form SMA-167 or download, print, complete, and fax Waiver Form SMA-167 (PDF | 62 KB) to 240-238-9858.
Physicians are also required to complete buprenorphine training and fax their training certificate after completing the Waiver Notification Form.
These waiver applications are forwarded to the DEA, which assigns the physician a special identification number. DEA regulations require this number to be included on all buprenorphine prescriptions for opioid dependency treatment, along with the physician’s regular DEA registration number.
Studyclerk reviews waiver applications within 45 days of receipt. If approved, physicians receive a letter via email that confirms their waiver and includes their prescribing identification number.
Specific federal record keeping requirements apply for opioid dependency treatment with buprenorphine. DEA record keeping requirements for buprenorphine treatment go beyond the Schedule III record keeping requirements. Under the Persons Required to Keep Records and File Reports, 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) PART 1304.03, practitioners must keep records and inventories of all controlled substances dispensed, including approved buprenorphine products.
In some cases, patients return to the prescribing physician after receiving the approved buprenorphine product so that the physician can monitor them while they take the prescription. While it is acceptable for patients to return with their filled prescription, physicians should not store and dispense controlled substances that have been provided from prescriptions filled at pharmacies.
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