News Releases

New Office-Based Opioid Treatment Rules Take Effect in Ohio

A set of new office-based opioid treatment rules is taking effect April 30 in the state of Ohio. The rules stem from state budget legislation passed in 2017, which included provisions related to medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

The new rules:

• Call for physicians and physician assistants providing office-based opioid treatment to complete continuing medical education related to substance abuse and addiction.
• Set standards for treatment, including requiring an appropriate history and physical.
• Require care to be delivered in accordance with one of two nationally recognized protocols for care.
• Require psychosocial services be included as part of treatment plans.
• Require treatment plans incorporate relapse prevention strategies.
• Set standards and procedures specific to oral or injectable naltrexone.
• Require physicians to inform patients of the serious risk if naltrexone is stopped and an opioid is used.

The office-based opioid treatment rules, which were originally proposed in October, were temporarily shelved by the State Medical Board of Ohio following a Nov. 28 hearing at which comments were submitted, including those by the Northeast Ohio Hospital Opioid Consortium. However, in February they were refiled with revisions and in April the final rules were filed. The rules do not affect hospitals but apply to MAT provided in private offices and public sector clinics.

MORE: For more on the Northeast Ohio Hospital Opioid Consortium’s policy work, contact us.

TWEETABLE: New Office-Based Opioid Treatment Rules Take Effect April 30 in Ohio. #OpioidConsortium