Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, in the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD). MAT uses medications such as methadone or buprenorphine, along with counseling and behavioral health therapies, to treat the use of short-acting opioids such as heroin, morphine and codeine, as well as synthetic opioids like oxycodone, OxyContin® and hydrocodone.
Individuals with OUD are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if they are not currently engaging in the illegal use of substances. It is a violation of regulation and the provider participation agreement for facilities to discriminate by denying admission to these individuals based on their treatment for OUD.
- Individuals who are considered stable (e.g., not currently engaged in the illegal use of substances) should not be denied admission due to receiving MAT.
- Individuals who are unstable on MAT may be appropriate for placement in a nursing facility provided the facility has the support and training required to meet the needs of these individuals.
In a recent survey of Medicaid skilled nursing facility providers on MAT, most providers who completed the survey expressed an interest in attending trainings about individuals on MAT. In response to the survey, Medicaid will provide staff trainings in the future.
Contact
NC Medicaid Contact Center: 888-245-0179