Removal of “X-Waiver” Promises Increased and More Equitable Access to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
Law & Policy InsightsHarm Reduction Legal ProjectMechanisms for Advancing Public HealthMechanisms for Advancing Health EquityOpioid Misuse and Overdose PreventionHarm Reduction Legal Project ResourcesAlthough it’s been shown to reduce many of the harms associated with opioid use disorder, including overdose deaths, access to the medication buprenorphine has been hampered by several legal restrictions. The recently passed 2023 Consolidation Appropriations Act includes a provision that removes a key barrier: the X-waiver requirement, which will increase access to buprenorphine, as well as improve provider knowledge of evidence-based substance use disorder treatment, and address disparities in access to care.