Pew Supports Proposed Rule to Broaden Treatment Access in Kentucky

On Oct. 4, The Pew Charitable Trusts submitted public comments in support of proposed regulations in Kentucky (908 KAR 1:374) that aim to make evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) more widely available and better aligned with federal regulations. Specifically, the regulations apply to opioid treatment programs (OTPs) that administer methadone, one of three FDA-approved medications to treat OUD. The regulation would grant key flexibilities—including reduced drug screenings, removal of counseling requirements and involuntary discharge as a result of a positive drug screen, and expanded take-home dosing—to OTP patients so that they are more likely to stay in treatment and receive lifesaving medication. Pew’s comment letter follows its technical assistance work in Kentucky as well as policy recommendations to strengthen the state’s treatment system.