In a letter dated December 24, 2007 from Robin Rothermel, acting director, Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs (BDAP), recommendations approved by Dr. Calvin Johnson, secretary, Department of Health (DOH) to improve access to buprenorphine are outlined. The letter is attached. The recommendations were developed by the Buprenorphine Access Work Group organized by BDAP and then sent to the Secretary for approval.
Two of the most significant recommendations include a "waiver" to allow outpatient facilities to provide buprenorphine and a review of all HealthChoices managed care organization’s policies governing the payment of buprenorphine services, particularly those that require a client to "fail first" in another treatment modality.
The DOH legal staff are in the process of reviewing the document from the secretary to determine how best to implement the recommendations. Questions should be directed to Lynn Cooper at the association.
Special thanks go to the Institute for Research, Education and Training in Addictions for their advocacy efforts aimed at improving access to this important medication.
