Update To Opioid Treatment Program Rules Secure Greater Flexibility For Methadone Treatment: Quicker Entry, Telehealth & Take-Home Doses

In a sweeping update to regulations for opioid treatment programs (OTPs), the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) finalized rules to align OTP regulations with evidence-based practice, and will allow quicker entry into treatment, telehealth treatment initiation, and take-home methadone doses. The update removes requirements that pose barriers to treatment with methadone, and implements several flexibilities that became available during COVID-19. The updates go into effect April 2, 2024. The compliance date is October 2, 2024.

The major provisions to expand access are as follows:

Treatment entry without a one-year opioid use disorder . . .