The Division of Drug and Alcohol Program Licensure (DAPL) announced, through Licensing Alert 01-08, the process by which drug and alcohol outpatient programs can request an exception of Modified Narcotic Treatment Program regulations. This is in response to the recent approval received from Calvin Johnson, secretary, Department of Health (DOH), regarding the recommendations of the Buprenorphine Work Group to improve access to buprenorphine. The DAPL Licensing Alert provides some clarification and the requirements for outpatient program approval. Also included is an exception request form designed for this purpose.
The provider must submit the following:
In addition, changes to agency policies and procedures regarding medication control may be required. These changes do not need to be submitted. They will be reviewed at the next drug and alcohol licensing inspection.
The Department of Health has set a goal of a 24-hour turnaround time for approvals of exception requests.
The decision was made to focus only on outpatient programs
at this time. It is unclear why residential programs were excluded and when
and if the exception might be available to them. Agencies with the Modified
Narcotic Treatment Program approval may continue to provide buprenorphine but
will also be asked to complete the exception process.
The licensing alert for the use of buprenorphine in non-residential treatment
facilities has been posted on the Department of Health web site at www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?a=189&q=238248.
Special thanks to the Secretary of Health, the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs, and the Institute for Research, Education and Training in Addictions for the work done to improve access to this important medication.