Qualified prescribers could prescribe methadone through pharmacies unless states block it

The Attorney General would separately register eligible prescribers to prescribe methadone for opioid addiction through pharmacies. Prescribers would need permission to prescribe controlled drugs and either a listed addiction specialty certification or approval under standards set by the Secretary. At a state's request, the Attorney General would stop registering prescribers there, revoke existing registrations, and deny pending applications for this option. These provisions would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Prescribers would use electronic prescriptions, follow federal and state quantity limits, and prescribe liquid methadone or tablets that dissolve in liquid. Treatment through this pharmacy option could include remote medical visits. Pharmacies would not need a separate registration to fill prescriptions from prescribers registered for this option. These rules would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Prescribers would obtain and document each patient's informed consent, meaning agreement after learning about the treatment. Patients using the pharmacy option would continue to have access to other care through an opioid treatment program. Consent would explain differences in privacy protections between receiving methadone through an opioid treatment program and through a pharmacy. The consent requirement would take effect 180 days after enactment.