Buprenorphine Prescribing by APRNs
Abstract
Journal of Addictions Nursing, 23:80â81, 2012 Copyright © International Nurses Society on Addictions ISSN: 1088-4602 print / 1548-7148 online DOI: 10.3109/10884602.2011.648735 POLICY WATCH Buprenorphine Prescribing by APRNs Al Rundio, PhD, DNP, RN, APRN, CARN-AP, NEA-BC Drexel University, College of Nursing & Health Professionals, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania One of the most pressing issues confronting Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) at this point in time is the prescribing of Buprenorphine by these health care providers for the treatment and management of patients dependent on prescription and non-prescription opioids. The Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA 2000) omitted APRNs from prescribing Buprenorphine for the detoxiï¬cation and management of patients dependent on heroin and other opioid drugs. APRNs have been able to prescribe Buprenorphine for chronic pain management, but not for the management of substance use of opioids. DATA 2000 permitted physicians the right to prescribe Buprenorphine for detoxiï¬cation and management of patients, who are dependent on opioids, in their ofï¬ces (OBOTâOfï¬ceBased Opiate Treatment) after the physician completes an 8 hour certiï¬cation course on prescribing Buprenorphine. Physicians also have to obtain a waiver from the Drug Enforcement Agency in order to prescribe and dispense approved opioid medications in their ofï¬ce (Fornili &