What credential must providers have before prescribing buprenorphine?

To prescribe buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder, healthcare providers must obtain a DATA 2000 waiver from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This waiver is part of the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000, which allows qualified practitioners to prescribe and dispense controlled substances specifically for the treatment of opioid addiction. The requirement ensures that providers have received specific training and are knowledgeable in the treatment of addiction.

While having a Vermont license and a DEA number is essential for the practice of medicine and the prescribing of controlled substances in general, the DATA 2000 waiver is a distinct credential necessary for the specialized authority to prescribe buprenorphine beyond standard licensure or registration. Without this waiver, providers are not legally permitted to prescribe buprenorphine for addiction treatment, regardless of their state licensure or DEA registration status. This policy helps ensure that patients receive care from trained professionals in a regulated manner.