Policy Case for Pharmacist Prescribing of Opioid Use Disorder Medications

This commentary argues that expanding pharmacist scope of practice to initiate and prescribe medications for opioid use disorder could close persistent access gaps in rural and underserved communities and support family preservation.

buprenorphinemethadoneextended-release naltrexonemedications for opioid use disorderMOUDpharmacist prescribingscope of practiceopioid use disorderaddiction medicinepolicy commentaryrural healthMAT ActTitle IV-Echild welfare Behavioral Health / Addiction Medicine

Background Information

Pharmacists prescribing for opioid use disorder could bridge access gaps in rural areas.

Access to medications for opioid use disorder is limited, especially in rural areas due to prescriber shortages and regulatory barriers. States could improve access by allowing pharmacists to initiate or prescribe these medications, supporting timely treatment and continuity of care. This change could expand the treatment workforce and improve care, especially in underserved areas, by leveraging pharmacists' accessibility. Authorizing pharmacists to prescribe medications for opioid use disorder could improve access and outcomes in underserved communities.

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Authors: Adams AJ

Citation: Adams AJ Expanding access to medications for opioid use disorder through pharmacist scope-of-practice flexibility. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA. 2026:103522. doi:10.1016/j.japh.2026.103522

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI

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Executive Summary

Study Design

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Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile

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