What is required for a prescription of methadone and buprenorphine?

Prescriptions for methadone and buprenorphine, both of which are classified as controlled substances, require a special permit due to their potential for misuse and the specific regulations surrounding their distribution and administration. This special permit is typically a certification that allows healthcare providers to prescribe these medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder.

In the case of methadone, it is often used in opioid treatment programs that are federally regulated, and prescribers must have specific training and authorization to dispense it for addiction treatment rather than just pain management. Similarly, buprenorphine can be prescribed by certified physicians who must complete training and obtain a waiver to use it in outpatient settings.

While patient history review, insurance approval, and follow-up appointments are important aspects of patient care and can play significant roles in medication management, they are not unique requirements for the prescribing of methadone or buprenorphine under the legal framework governing these medications. The special permit stands out as a critical requirement, ensuring that only trained and authorized practitioners can prescribe these controlled substances under specific guidelines to promote safety and efficacy in treatment.