Medication-Assisted Treatment
Timothy D. Fensky, RPh, DPh, FACA, NABP Chairperson
Promoting pharmacist-provided medication-assisted treatment for patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD) is the current initiative of NABP Chairperson Timothy D. Fensky, RPh, DPh, FACA. This initiative will build on the efforts of the state boards of pharmacy to combat the opioid crisis over the past decade. Furthering existing NABP efforts, including PMP InterConnect, an interstate prescription monitoring data resource, and safe.pharmacy, a consumer-focused website highlighting safe medication practices, will also be an important aspect of this initiative.
Next Steps
In an effort to advance this initiative, Timothy Fensky, along with NABP and its member boards, will be responsible for:
- Urging Congress to pass legislation to allow states to recognize pharmacists as MAT providers;
- Working with NABP members to review applicable language found in the The Model State Pharmacy Act and Model Rules of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (Model Act); and
- Creating a task force to review strategies to drive change on this issue.
Task Force Updates
The task force was held, and the report is posted in the Resources section.
Learn More
Increasing awareness and speaking out about the opioid epidemic are crucial steps to furthering the MAT initiative and reducing OUDs. More information about MAT can be found in the below resources:
- Innovations: August 2020 Newsletter
- NABP Blog (March 3, 2021): “Access to Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder is Limited by Unnecessary Regulations”
- NABP Blog (July 17, 2020): “Pharmacists Are Key to Expanding Access to Medication-Assisted Treatment”
- Home Study Webinar: Medication-Assisted Treatment: Overcoming Barriers to Improve Access for Patients
- College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP) Education & Resources:
- Education includes ACPE approved, on-demand programs with subjects including pharmacotherapy for OUD, comorbid disorders, chronic pain and OUD, and more
- Toolkits and guides to assist pharmacists in the areas of intervention, medication management, and naloxone access
- The One Rx Program provides tools to help equip pharmacists in screening patients prescribed an opioid medication and provide education, resources, and support to ensure safe medication use. One Rx collaborates with pharmacies, community organizations, and state boards of pharmacy to expand patients’ access to naloxone.
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