AAFP Applauds Initial Actions to Remove Barriers for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

FOR IMMEDATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 28, 2021

The American Academy of Family Physicians is encouraged by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ actions to remove burdensome regulatory requirements for prescribing buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). This revision will allow more family physicians who are certified to provide this important treatment in their offices.

The action is a positive first step in improving patient access to OUD treatment and lessening the stigma associated with medication-assisted treatment. The AAFP position paper on Chronic Pain Management and Opioid Misuse outlines the important role family physicians play in providing patient-centered care for both pain management and OUD, as well as the need to increase educational opportunities for physicians in training. We will continue to advocate for additional actions that will expand patient access to medication-assisted treatment and reduce regulatory hurdles that prevent family physicians from providing this lifesaving, evidence-based care.

Editor's Note: To arrange an interview with an AAFP spokesperson, contact Jennifer Schuler, 800-274-2237, Ext. 6255, or jschuler@aafp.org.

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