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Key Findings

1. Access to buprenorphine increased dramatically in 2006, when physicians who were permitted (waivered) to prescribe the drug were allowed to prescribe it for 100 patients at a time rather than 30.
2. Waivered physicians are more plentiful in states where Medicaid or another state-provided benefit covers buprenorphine treatment and in states with specific guidance on both the use of buprenorphine and the distribution of clinical guidelines for buprenorphine treatment.
3. While some policies opened the door to greater access, others may limit utilization once patients have started treatment. For example, requiring patients to attend drug counseling, charging copayments, and requiring prior authorization for a prescription may have the effect of decreasing or limiting use of buprenorphine.