​An August 22, 2017, report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found a 39% increase in the number of federally approved opioid treatment programs (OTP) between 2003 and 2016. OTPs are regulated by SAMHSA and are qualified to dispense methadone and buprenorphine for treating opioid use disorders. According to SAMHSA, the number of OTPs remained constant at about 1,100 to 1,200 between 2003 and 2012, followed by an increase to 1,482 OTPs in December 2016; SAMHSA notes that 10% of all substance use treatment facilities had OTPs in 2015. The number of clients receiving methadone also increased from about 227,000 in 2003 to 356,843 in 2015. In addition, the percentage of OTPs that offered buprenorphine increased from 11% in 2003 to 58% in 2015, and the percentage of non-OTP facilities that offered buprenorphine also increased, from 5% in 2003 to 21% in 2015.

HRC Recommends: Opioids are high-alert medications, which have a heightened risk of causing significant harm if used in error. In addition, prescribed opioids pose a high risk for abuse and diversion. Healthcare organizations, including those that manage physician practices, should ensure that safe practices for opioid prescribing are in place and that alternative approaches to pain control are considered when appropriate.