Does Your Practice Prescribe Buprenorphine?

Written by Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Association Affairs, Andy Sandusky

August 23, 2019 

Does your Practice Prescribe Buprenorphine?

Legislation regulating office-based prescribing of buprenorphine is set to be voted on by the House Human Services Committee on Wednesday, September 18.  Senate Bill 675 will require office-based physicians get certified by the state, in addition to what is already required for DEA compliance; pay a fee (up to $500) to the state, in addition to what is already required for DEA compliance; and before you can prescribe buprenorphine, the patient must be in a treatment addiction program licensed by the state.

POMA has heard from many osteopathic physicians that SB 675 will diminish access to patients with addiction and likely result in less recovery and more drug abuse. In June, POMA worked hard to stop SB 675 which can be understood in part by reviewing POMA’s letter to the House Human Services Committee. If your patients will be negatively impacted by SB 675, you are encouraged to contact your state representative and voice your opinion on SB 675 and share why it is runs counter to treatment efforts for patients consumed by the opioid crisis. POMA has made the process easier by providing a one-stop-shop for your legislative advocacy using the POMA Action Center.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Andy Sandusky at [email protected].