Biden DEA rule change aims to add mobile methadone vans

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jun/28/biden-dea-rule-change-aims-add-mobile-methadone-va/

The Drug Enforcement Administration announced Monday a policy change aimed at expanding access to treatment for substance abuse disorders.

Under the new rule, the nation’s more than 1,700 DEA-registered methadone service providers are no longer required to obtain a separate registration for mobile services from the DEA.

Dr. Rachel Levine, assistant secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services, says the change is “extremely critical.”

“DEA’s new rule will streamline the registration process to make it easier for registrants to provide needed services to underserved parts of the country,” Dr. Levine told reporters during a conference call.

Last year, the U.S. recorded its highest number of drug overdose deaths in a 12-month period. More than 90,700 deaths occurred between October 2019 and November 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“This alarming increase in overdose deaths underlines the need for more accessible treatment services,” Dr. Levine said, adding that studies show medication supports long-term recovery for substance abuse disorders.

Demand has grown in recent years for substance use disorder treatments like methadone, which is one of three FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder. Long waiting lists and high service fees have plagued parts of the country as a result — especially in rural, urban and tribal communities, the DEA said. 

There are currently more than 1,900 narcotic treatment program locations nationwide that use methadone, according to the DEA. However, lack of access to transportation and distance to nearby brick-and-mortar narcotic treatment programs can pose accessibility problems for rural and underserved communities. 

“No American should have to drive, or ride a bus, for two hours a day to receive the life-saving evidence-based treatment they need to survive,” said Tom Coderre, acting assistant secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use.

Officials say the new rule, which goes into effect July 28, will save the agency money by bringing down costs linked to startup, labor and operations for the mobile units. They also expect costs related to health care, criminal justice and lost productivity to decline as access to treatment expands.Regina LaBelle, acting director of National Drug Control Policy, applauded the “significant” change in a statement Monday.

“This new rule is a significant step forward that supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s drug policy priorities, including expanding access to evidence-based treatment and advancing racial equity in our approach to drug policy,” Ms. LaBelle said.

Rumor has it this the TEMPLATE they are going to use for their Mobile methadone distribution system

Filed under: General Problems