Easier Access to Methadone via Pharmacies for Opioid Addiction Treatment
This act aims to simplify access to methadone, a medication used for opioid addiction treatment. It allows doctors to prescribe methadone for pickup at pharmacies, potentially reducing barriers to treatment and improving patient convenience. These changes are intended to support individuals struggling with addiction by offering more flexible treatment options.
Key points
Doctors will be able to prescribe methadone for pickup at pharmacies, which was previously restricted to specialized treatment programs.
Methadone prescriptions will be issued electronically for a maximum supply of 30 days.
Patients will still have access to support and other services offered by opioid treatment programs, even if they pick up methadone at a pharmacy.
The act requires patient consent for treatment and disclosure of differences in privacy protections when dispensing through a pharmacy versus an opioid treatment program.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_1359
Sponsor: Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1]
Process start date: 2023-03-03