DATA Waiver not required for treating OUD
As of Jan. 12, 2023, the federal government no longer requires health care professionals to process a DATA Waiver (X-Waiver) to prescribe buprenorphine and other drugs for treating opioid use disorder (OUD).
What this means for you
As a health care professional, if you have a current DEA registration with Schedule III authority, you may prescribe buprenorphine for treatment, if permissible by applicable state law, with no limits on the number of patients treated.
Evidence-based treatment
Professional organizations, such as the American Medical Association, recommend the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and support removal of the X-Waiver. We encourage health care professionals with DEA-prescribing authority to proactively identify OUD in members and treat them using evidence-based treatment protocols and as permitted by your state licensing board.
Learn more
The following resources can help you identify and treat members with OUD in your practice:
- Review materials available for all health care professionals
- Read the CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain
- See SAMSHA-funded resources and local training
Questions?
Contact your provider advocate for information on how we can support your practice.
