Laws and Regulations You Need To Know About Medication-Assisted Treatment

Did you know over 81,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses in 2023? That number is more than a statistic—it’s a crisis affecting families, communities, and organizations like yours. If you’re thinking about how to address this opioid use disorder (OUD), you’re not alone. Options like medication-assisted treatment, counseling, harm reduction programs, and community outreach all play important roles in tackling this crisis. 

Without taking action, patients might not get the care they need, and the chance to save lives could be missed.

Now, picture a different outcome. Imagine running something like a MAT program that’s fully compliant with the law and reaches patients where they are—on their terms. You’d help people recover and also create a lasting impact in your community. This article will show you how to start closing that gap and making that vision a reality.

At AVAN Mobility, we’ve spent over 10 years building vehicles for organizations like yours designed to break down barriers to healthcare. Our focus is on saving lives and helping organizations deliver care that matters. We’re not the only company out there, but our commitment to making healthcare accessible stands out.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the laws and regulations for medication-assisted treatment so you can confidently take the next step. Let’s get started!

 

What is opioid use disorder, and how can you treat it?

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a serious health problem in the U.S., and it’s a condition that changes the way the brain functions. This makes it really hard for people to stop using opioids, even if they want to. OUD also puts people at risk for some scary outcomes, such as:

• Overdosing
• Getting serious infections
• Getting hurt in accidents
• Mental health struggles, including suicide

 

Right now, about 2 million people in the U.S. are living with OUD, and sadly, over 100 people die from opioid overdoses every single day. It’s a big problem, and finding solutions is critical.

 

Can medication-assisted treatment MAT help with OUD?

MAT is one of the options available to help people with OUD and is most effective when combined with counseling or behavioral therapies. Other approaches, like abstinence-based programs or peer support groups, can also play a crucial role depending on individual needs.

MAT is a combination of medication and therapy designed to help manage OUD. While it has been effective for many, other approaches, such as counseling-only methods, harm reduction initiatives, or faith-based recovery programs, can also play important roles depending on individual and community needs

But it’s not the only way to treat OUD. MAT can come with challenges, like strict rules about who can provide it and where it can happen. While it’s a strong option for some, finding the right approach depends on what works best for the people and communities you’re helping.

 

 

 

 

What are the regulations around medication-assisted treatment?

 

 

Understanding the regulations for medication-assisted treatment is important for organizations that aim to provide this service. Let’s explore the key regulations that govern MAT.

 

Federal regulations for medication-assisted treatment

The U.S. has strict rules for medication-assisted treatment to make sure it’s safe and effective. These rules focus on how medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are used to treat opioid addiction.

 

Here’s what you need to know:

Controlled Substances Act (CSA): Medications for MAT are tightly controlled. There are rules about how they’re made, stored, and given to patients.

42 CFR Part 8: This sets the standards for opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Programs that use methadone must follow specific rules for certification and patient care.

DATA 2000: This law makes MAT more accessible by letting doctors prescribe buprenorphine in regular medical offices, not just treatment clinics.

CARA 2016 and SUPPORT Act 2018: These laws let nurse practitioners and physician assistants prescribe buprenorphine, helping more people get care.

Mobile treatment rules: OTPs can run mobile units to bring MAT to underserved areas. These units must follow strict security and reporting rules (more on that later).

These regulations help balance patient safety with making treatment easier to access for those who need it.

 

State regulations

Federal laws create the baseline for MAT, but states get to add their own rules on top of that. These extra rules can vary a lot depending on where you are. Here are a few examples:

Counselor-to-patient ratios: Some states require clinics to have a certain number of counselors for the number of patients they treat. This helps make sure patients get enough support.

Central patient registries: In some states, there are systems that track patients in treatment programs. These registries aim to monitor care and reduce misuse.

Zoning restrictions: Local rules might limit where treatment programs can be located. For example, some areas don’t allow clinics near schools or residential neighborhoods.

Because the rules can be so different from state to state, it’s important to check with your state’s health department or regulatory office to understand what applies to you. Knowing the details will help you stay compliant and keep your program running smoothly.

 

What medications are used for MAT?

While meds like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are key players in medication-assisted treatment, it’s also super important not to overlook non-medication options. As we mentioned earlier, things like therapy and peer support can also play a big role in helping someone achieve long-term recovery.

Methadone: This medication is primarily used in certified OTPs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) oversees these programs, ensuring they meet specific standards.

Buprenorphine: Under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act, qualified healthcare providers can prescribe buprenorphine in settings outside of OTPs. This flexibility allows for broader access to treatment.

Naltrexone: This medication can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider and is not subject to the same restrictions as methadone and buprenorphine.

 

How is MAT delivered through mobile treatment programs?

 

 

Mobile Narcotic Treatment Programs (MNTPs) make it easier to access medication-assisted treatment. These programs use specialized vehicles to bring care right to the people who need it, especially in areas where getting to a clinic is hard.

 

Here’s how it works:

Care comes to the people: Instead of needing to travel far, patients can get treated in their own community. This is helpful for people who live far away from clinics or don’t have reliable transportation.

Medications on board: Mobile units provide medications like methadone or buprenorphine, which help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings so patients can focus on recovery.

Experienced staff: Doctors, nurses, and counselors who know how to treat substance use disorders work on these units. They make sure patients get the same level of care as they would in a regular clinic.

More than just medicine: Many MNTPs also offer counseling and therapy, which are important for helping people get better.

Safe and private: Mobile units are designed to protect patient privacy. They have separate areas for storing and giving out medication and private spaces for talking with staff.

Mobile treatment programs make it possible for people to get help where they are, making recovery a more realistic option for many.

 

What are the rules and regulations for mobile narcotic treatment programs?

Now that you know the general regulations for MAT, let’s look at the regulations for running an MNTP. 

 

Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements:

Setting up the vehicle: The mobile unit needs a secure, built-in safe to store medications like methadone or buprenorphine. This safe must:

• Be locked and not accessible from outside the van.
• Have an alarm system connected to a monitoring center or local police.

 

Daily procedures:

• Medications must be transferred from the main treatment center to the mobile unit each day.
• At the end of the day, all unused medications must be returned to the main facility.
• Every dose given and medication used must be carefully recorded for auditing purposes.

 

Operational rules:

• Clinics must notify the DEA in writing before starting a mobile program.
• The DEA must approve the program before it begins operating.
• Mobile units can only operate in the state(s) where the main treatment center is registered.
• Mobile units cannot share medications with other units, act as hospitals, or transport patients.

 

Privacy and security:

• Patients cannot access the medication safe at any time.
• The dispensing and storage areas must be separate from patient spaces, using a wall, door, or pass-through window.

 

Parking and storage:

• At the end of the day, the mobile health unit must be parked in a secure, fenced location.
• No medications can remain in the vehicle overnight.

 

Following these rules helps ensure mobile treatment programs operate safely, providing much-needed care while meeting regulatory standards.

 

Got any questions about MAT?

 

 

You came to this article to learn about the rules and regulations for medication-assisted treatment. Now, you know the basics of MAT regulations, how mobile narcotic treatment programs work, and the steps needed to deliver care safely. With this knowledge, you’re one step closer to creating a program that can truly help people in your community.

At AVAN Mobility, we know that starting or improving a MAT program can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve designed our Mobile Clinic Van to make it easier. It’s secure, private, and meets all the requirements for mobile treatment programs, so you can focus on what really matters—helping people recover and rebuild their lives.

We believe everyone deserves a chance at better health. If you’d like to learn more about medically-assisted treatment and how you can start utilizing it, click the button below to chat with a mobility expert. We’re here to help.

Not ready to talk yet? That’s okay—check out our other resources to keep learning!

Start by checking out the video below on the cost of a Mobile Clinic Van. This will give you an idea of whether a medically assisted treatment clinic is within your budget.

Next, read our article on seven ways to apply for grants for a mobile clinic. It’s especially helpful for navigating the often complicated world of funding.

 

Frequently asked questions about medication-assisted treatment

Q: Do insurance companies pay for medication-assisted treatment?

A: Yes, many insurance plans do cover medication-assisted treatment. But what’s covered can depend on your specific plan. It’s always a good idea to call your insurance company and ask what they include.

 

Q: Does Medicare cover medication-assisted treatment?

A: It does! Medicare helps cover medication-assisted treatment as part of its opioid treatment program. This includes medicines like methadone and buprenorphine, as well as counseling and therapy. Be sure to check with Medicare to get all the details for your situation.

 

Q: Is medication-assisted treatment effective?

A: Yes, it’s very effective. Medication-assisted treatment helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for people to stay on the path to recovery. When combined with counseling and therapy, it gives people the best chance to succeed.

 

Q: Can mobile clinics provide medication-assisted treatment?

A: Absolutely! Mobile clinics bring medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to people who might not be able to get to a regular clinic. They provide medications like methadone and buprenorphine, along with therapy. Mobile clinics have to follow strict rules to keep everything safe and secure.

 

Q: Who can prescribe medication for MAT?

A: Doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants can prescribe medications for medication-assisted treatment if they’re trained and certified. These rules are there to make sure patients get the right care safely.