July 19, 2022. This bulletin was updated in SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #262, extending the flexibility sunset to Aug. 15, 2022.
The temporary COVID-19 Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) take-home flexibility was scheduled to sunset on June 30, 2022. NC Medicaid has extended the flexibility and will allow for the following provision and billing for take-home doses provided by OTP providers until July 15, 2022:
- Stable patients in an OTP may receive 28 days of take-home doses of the patient’s medication for opioid use disorder.
- Up to 14 days of take-home medication for those patients who are less stable but who the OTP believes can safely handle this level of take-home medication.
It remains within the OTP provider’s discretion to determine the number of take-home doses within each category of “stable” or “less stable.” The provider is still responsible for determining the number of take-home doses that an individual can safely manage. Decision-making and discussions must be documented in the individual’s medical record consistent with 42 C.F.R. § 8.12(i)(3).
Further guidance will be forthcoming regarding the possibility of extending this exemption.
Contact
NC Medicaid Contact Center: 888-245-0179