2023 MIPS IA_BMH_13: Obtain or Renew an Approved Waiver for Provision of Buprenorphine as Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Activity ID

Activity Weighting

Subcategory Name

Behavioral and Mental Health

Activity Description

Complete any required training and obtain or renew an approved waiver for provision of medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorders using buprenorphine. Note: This activity may be selected once for low-capacity waivers, as these do not expire, and once every 3 years for the expanded waiver, in keeping with renewal requirements.

Objective

Improve access to treatment for opioid use disorder by increasing the number of providers authorized to prescribe buprenorphine.

Suggested Documentation

Evidence of obtaining the approved waiver for provision of medication assisted treatment of opioid use disorders using buprenorphine. Include the following element: 1) Waiver – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) letter confirming presence of waiver and eligible clinician prescribing ID number.

Examples of Additional Activities that Qualify for Attestation

A primary care physician completed the buprenorphine waiver documentation, allowing her to prescribe buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder to up to 30 patients.

Example/Information

• This SAMHSA website explains how to become a buprenorphine waivered practitioner to treat opioid use disorder, with links to practice guidelines, optional training materials, and forms to file to request a waiver. “Become a Buprenorphine Waivered Practitioner.” (https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/become-buprenorphin...)
• This expert review in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reviews updated guidelines for obtaining a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine. Training is no longer mandatory for some providers intending to prescribe for fewer than 30 patients. Cleary, E. M., Smid, M. C., Charles, J. E., Jones, K. M., Costantine, M. M., Saade, G., & Rood, K. M. (2021). Buprenorphine x-waiver exemption - beyond the basics for the obstetrical provider. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 3(6), 100451. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100451)