Document Type

Report

Abstract

Research has shown the urgent need for updates to guidelines regulating opioid treatment programs (OTPs), especially as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated overdose rates and the drug supply became increasingly contaminated with fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and xylazine (Moghtaderi et al., 2023)(DEA, 2022). Part 8 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), originally enacted in 2001, includes regulations that guide OTPs. The 42 CFR Part 8 final rule, issued by SAMHSA, updates these federal regulations. It is the first major revision since 2001, aimed at expanding access to care, improving patient outcomes, and integrating lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic (SAMHSA, 2024a). These updates are in response to the long-voiced concerns of both practitioners and patients on the opioid epidemic's front lines. They aim to make temporary flexibilities from the COVID-19 public health emergency permanent, enhance OTP accessibility, and adapt to evolving standards and practices. The emphasis on mobile units and harm reduction measures reflects a commitment to reducing barriers to care and improving outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). The final rule removes stigmatizing language and supports a patient-centered approach, as well as practitioner autonomy (SAMHSA, 2024a). Support for these changes was reinforced by studies demonstrating that pandemic-era flexibilities, such as relaxing take-home guidelines, did not increase diversion but instead increased retention, improved access to treatment, and enhanced patient outcomes, particularly for those with transportation barriers and daily dosing demands (Hoffman et al., 2022)(Krawczyk et al., 2023). The final rule went into effect on April 2, 2024. OTPs have 6 months to integrate these changes and are expected to comply with all final rule standards by October 2, 2024.

Disciplines

Community Health and Preventive Medicine | COVID-19 | Environmental Public Health | Public Health | Public Health Education and Promotion | Social Work

Download

Share

COinS