Past, Present, and Future of Methadone Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Understanding the current methadone treatment landscape within the US can help health professionals advocate for and assist patients with opioid use disorder. Methadone maintenance treatment improves the health of people with opioid use disorder. Methadone treatment was developed in the 1960s and the regulation of methadone treatment prioritized concerns about medication diversion rather than patient health. Regulations segregate methadone treatment from the rest of the healthcare system and specify strict patient requirements in order to receive treatment. In the context of these regulations, there is a severe shortage of methadone treatment availability within the US and many patients who might benefit from methadone treatment find opioid treatment programs (ie, methadone clinics) unacceptable. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic some methadone regulations were relaxed and there are emerging opportunities to accommodate patient needs while receiving methadone treatment.

Target Audience

This course is designed for health care professionals including physicians, nurses, patients and caregivers, among others.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Describe how the history to methadone treatment impacts its regulation.
  • Identify the limitations of methadone treatment under current regulations in the US.
  • Describe the changes in methadone treatment regulation following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disclaimer Statement:

The information presented at this activity represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or Affiliates and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.  Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
    • 1.00 Opioid Education
  • 1.00 Attendance
    • 1.00 Opioid Education
Course opens: 
04/02/2024
Course expires: 
04/02/2027
Part of: 
DEA MATE ACT FOR PRESCRIBERS AND OPIOID TRAINING

Course Director:

  • Paul J. Joudrey, MD,  MPH -  Assistant Professor, General Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
No planners, members of the planning committee, speakers, presenters, authors, content reviewers and/or anyone else in a position to control the content of this education activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose.

In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Physician (CME)
The University of Pittsburgh designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit[s]™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Other health care professionals will receive a certificate of attendance confirming the number of contact hours commensurate with the extent of participation in this activity.

DEA Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act
This training is designed to meet the training requirements for the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act of 2023.

Pennsylvania Opioid/Pain Management Credit (physicians only)
This activity has been designated as and qualifies for Opioid/Pain Management Credit. It is the responsibility of the learner to maintain the educational presentation or conference agenda as evidence, if needed for audit purpose

 

 

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
    • 1.00 Opioid Education
  • 1.00 Attendance
    • 1.00 Opioid Education
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