Medication for Opioid Use Disorder during COVID-19

In response to the intersecting risks of COVID-19 and the worsening overdose crisis, key regulations governing opioid agonist therapies have been loosened by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Drug Enforcement Agency. These changes were needed as opioid users are at heightened risk for both COVID-19 infection and overdose for a host of medical, legal and structural reasons. This document outlines guidance provided to opioid agonist therapy prescribers, treatment programs and clinics. It also covers, in collaboration with Legal Action Center, important changes concerning confidentiality of substance use treatment records under 42 CFR Part II and HIPAA and the expanded use of telehealth.