Prescribers sign on for new buprenorphine caps

Since SAMHSA issued new rules around the number of patients that physicians can treat with buprenorphine, 1,665 practitioners have applied for and been granted waivers to prescribe at the increased limit of 275 patients, according to the federal agency.

On July 8, 2016, SAMHSA published a final rule, which allows practitioners who have had a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine for up to 100 patients for a year or more, to now obtain a waiver to treat up to 275 patients. The increase comes as the nation seeks better access to evidence-based treatments for addiction disorders.

Prescribers at the maximum patient cap of 275 will be required to complete a SAMHSA reporting form each year.

Click here for more information about medication–assisted treatment waivers.