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Hello Anna,
National provisional data from the CDC indicate that the number of drug overdose deaths remained above 100,000 in 2022, and in Maryland, decreased approximately 7%. Despite a small but promising statewide decrease, the number of fatalities still remain high, underscoring the need for expanded access to quality substance use treatment. Buprenorphine continues to be underutilized by providers as a lifesaving treatment for opioid use disorder and treatment disparities persist, particularly among Black and Hispanic patients.
In response to over 38,000 public comments, SAMHSA and the DEA extended the COVID-19 telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled medications such as buprenorphine. This extension, effective until November 11, 2023, presents an opportunity to engage patients living in remote areas or facing access obstacles in lifesaving treatment.
Furthermore, the FDA and SAMHSA announced in a letter to clinicians that buprenorphine provision should not be linked to the requirement of patients' participation in counseling or other support services. Additionally, the FDA recently approved a new nasal spray to reverse opioid overdose and a new buprenorphine treatment option.
As a reminder, MACS is here to support Maryland practitioners in providing buprenorphine and caring for individuals with substance use disorders and chronic pain management. Our team of addiction medicine experts are just a phone call away!
-The MACS Team
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