Updated Federal Regulations Governing Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder

In December 2022, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) proposed revisions to the federal regulations governing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), which had not undergone a substantial revision since their adoption in 2001. Almost 400 persons or entities posted comments on this proposed revision, and on April 2, 2024, the revised regulations were formalized, reflecting the overwhelming support for the bulk of SAMHSA’s proposals.

Incorporating medical advancements, addiction science, lived experiences, and the observations and experiences from COVID-19, these revised regulations removed outdated, stigmatizing language and frame opioid use disorder (OUD) as a chronic, medical condition. Importantly, they incorporate evidence-based approaches, increase access to MOUD, and further dismantle barriers to treatment.

Read the analysis here.