Physicians must obtain a federal waiver if they wish to prescribe buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder.

Across the country, many people suffering from opioid use disorder are unable to access medication-assisted treatment for their condition due to a lack of nearby physicians with waivers to prescribe buprenorphine. California is no different. In 2013, there were only 1,460 waivered physicians actively prescribing buprenorphine in California, which amounts to approximately 3.9 physicians per 100,000 people, particularly impacting rural and underserved areas in the state.

To help physicians obtain waivers, the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine offers two online waiver trainings per month. The next scheduled west coast training, "Office-Based Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders," is Wednesday, September 28, 2016, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. PT. (To view the full schedule, click here.)

The first half of the training is a 4.25-hour live webcast. The second half of the course is a 3.75-hour computer-based study. An examination on the computer study must be successfully completed within 30 days of the webinar to obtain a waiver for prescribing buprenorphine.

With more than 2.2 million people nationwide last year who met the diagnostic criteria for an opioid use disorder, increasing appropriate access to live-saving addiction treatment services is one component of a balanced approach to addressing rising opioid-related morbidity and mortality rates. Treatment of opioid use disorder with opioid maintenance therapies has been shown to be cost-effective, safe and successful when used appropriately.

To view register or view a list of all of the upcoming training opportunities, click here.