“To Save Lives, Prioritize Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder In Correctional Facilities”, Health Affairs Forefront, June 22, 2022. DOI: 10.1377/forefront.20220615.871779
This article summarizes topics concerning access to MOUD in the carceral system, including limited availability of medications and how to improve on access. There has been an increase in individuals who are incarcerated receiving buprenorphine – one study found on average 44 individuals who were incarcerated were receiving buprenorphine in 2016 and 9,841 were receiving it on average in 2021. 5 recommendations were given to address barriers and increase access of MOUD in the carceral system: legislation at the state level, regulatory framework should be created by federal agencies, eliminating the Medicaid exclusion, investigations into ADA violations and violations of constitutional rights should continue, and community-based treatment programs should be invested in to ensure the highest level of care.
Bottom Line: Access to MOUD for individuals who are incarcerated has been slowly improving and this article addresses how to continue to improve access.