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Federal health agencies issued a Dear Colleague letter to highlight support to states for policies to expand access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including authorizing pharmacists to prescribe the medications.
Why it’s important: Pharmacists are among the most accessible health care providers in the U.S.
- Evidence suggests that in states that permit pharmacists to prescribe or initiate MOUD, it results in improved access, reduced delays in treatment, and better continuity of care.
By the numbers: As of 2025, at least 10 states allowed pharmacist prescribing of controlled medications such as buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD).
The details: The letter encourages states to review their statutes, regulations, and professional practice laws to assess whether changes are needed to:
- Authorize pharmacists to prescribe or initiate MOUD consistent with current federal authorities and standards of care;
- Support timely access to treatment for parents/caregivers whose recovery is essential to child safety and family stability; and
- Maximize use of Title IV-E prevention funding and other federal resources to improve the lives of individuals and families with SUD.
Plus: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also issued an advisory outlining how pharmacists can support expanded access to MOUD.
Published
July 2026