Characteristics and correlates of U.S. clinicians prescribing buprenorphine for opioid use disorder treatment using expanded authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic

Source:

Jones, C. M., Diallo, M. M., Vythilingam, M., Schier, J. G., Eisenstat, M., & Compton, W. M. (2021). Characteristics and Correlates of US Clinicians Prescribing Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Using Expanded Authorities During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 108783.

Highlights

•The COVID-19 pandemic stands to exacerbate the ongoing opioid overdose epidemic.

•Emergency authorities to expand access to buprenorphine have been implemented.

•One-third of clinicians reported remote buprenorphine initiation to new patients.

•Permanent adoption of authorities may enable expanded access to buprenorphine.