Innovations-Magazine-September-2023 - 13

FEATURE NEWS
before the X-waiver was eliminated. Only 57.9% of pharmacies
reported that buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone®) was in stock at
the time of the patient's request, with chains being more likely to
have stock than independent pharmacies and with variation by state
(37.1% in Florida vs 83.9% in Washington). With an increase in
demand likely from the X-waiver elimination, supply will have to
match this demand, contingent on forthcoming regulations by DEA,
which has not yet provided a timeline.
Many state regulators are now prioritizing the promotion of
effective opioid treatments aimed at decreasing overdose fatalities
and enhancing the overall well-being of patients. States are also
focused on reducing the stigma associated with SUD. The goal is to
involve pharmacies in providing access to care and thereby reduce
opioid overdose deaths and improve harm reduction.
In a recent JAMA Health Forum study, the evidence demonstrated
that continuing education beyond what was required by DEA
was associated with greater prescribing of buprenorphine among
clinicians. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution, continuing
health professionals' education on the matter seems to promote
patient treatment and well-being.
State governments are working to harmonize their statutes with
federal law. The following states still have X-waiver requirements
mentioned in their statutes: Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio,
and Tennessee. The aforementioned states will need to synchronize
with the federal statute using similar terms.
By eliminating the X-waiver requirement and expanding
access to buprenorphine in the pharmacy, hope remains
that the strain on emergency departments and hospitals,
which often bear the brunt of opioid-related emergencies
such as overdoses and infections, will be reduced. Further,
with the disparities between urban and rural areas in the
number of clinicians with an X-waiver, eliminating this
barrier to access will promote greater health equity.
To achieve these goals, the stigma surrounding medication
to treat OUD can be challenged by building deeper education
and awareness about the issue. NABP supports helping patients
on their journey toward recovery and lasting wellness through
promoting pharmacist-provided medications for treatment, and the
Association will continue to inform members about new regulatory
developments related to treatments for SUDs.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
October 3-5, 2023 | NABP Executive Officer Forum | Compliance Officer and Legal Counsel Forumrum | Compliance Officer and Legal Counsel Forum
for the Upcoming NABP Forum " Networking to Drive Pharmacist Well-Being, Patient Safety "
forthe U
ber 3-5, 2023 | NABP Executive Officer
How can board members " network to drive pharmacist well-being and patient
safety " ? Executive officers, compliance officers, and legal counsel are invited
to connect and collaborate with fellow members to discuss contemporary
issues that impact pharmacists' well-being and share lessons learned in
the pursuit of achieving public health protection. NABP's annual Fall Forum
will be held in the Rosemont, IL area.
How can board members " network to drive pharmacist well-being and patient
Check your inbox for an invitation and more information.
Contact ExecOffice@nabp.pharmacy with any questions regarding the forum.
SEPTEMBER 2023 | 11

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Innovations-Magazine-September-2023

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