X-Waiver Updates, Trainings, and More

MONTHLY | February 2021

MACS provides support to Maryland prescribers and their practices in addressing the needs of their patients with substance use disorders and chronic pain management.

1-855-337-MACS (6227) | www.marylandMACS.org | tsommer@som.umaryland.edu

The previously announced change to the X -Waiver requirement for prescribing buprenorphine is on hold.

Recently, the Department of Health & Human Services released a statement about modifying regulations for buprenorphine prescribing for opioid use disorder. However, there is no entry confirming a rule change in The Federal Register, thus waiver trainings and X numbers are still required.

The next MACS waiver training is February 10.

MACS is following these guidelines closely. Call 1-855-337- MACS with questions.

EDUCATION

Upcoming free, virtual CME events

Providers Clinical Support System

Half & Half MAT Waiver Training

Wednesday, February 10 | 1:00 - 5:15 pm

Presented by Eric Weintraub, MD

The Treatment of Tobacco/Nicotine Use Disorders: Brief Motivational Interventions & Medication Strategies

Friday, February 19 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Presented by David McDuff, MD

NEWS

Case Series of Patients with Opioid Use Disorder and Suicidal Ideation Treated with Buprenorphine

Initiating buprenorphine in the ED might be beneficial for OUD patients who present with suicidal ideation. This case series co-authored by MACS Consultant, Eric Weintraub, MD, found associations between ED-initiated buprenorphine and SI resolution in addition to engagement in outpatient SUD treatment.

Interventions for Tobacco Smoking Cessation in Adults, Including Pregnant Persons

“This 2021 US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement recommends that clinicians ask all adults about tobacco use, advise them to stop using tobacco, and provide behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy for cessation, and concludes that evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of e-cigarettes for tobacco cessation.” Read more...

Action item: Register for our upcoming webinar on tobacco / nicotine use disorders to learn about motivational interventions and medication strategies.

Conceptualizing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with opioid use disorder: an application of the social ecological model

“The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unparalleled societal disruption with wide ranging effects on individual liberties, the economy, and physical and mental health. This commentary describes how the social ecological model (SEM) may be applied to describe the theoretical effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD).” Read more...