๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-07-01

Impact of Federal and State Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Policy Changes During the Pandemic (NCT07232641)

Comparing Treatment Use, Retention, and Patient Outcomes Pre- and Post-implementation of Federal Policy Changes Regulating Buprenorphine and Methadone Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Interventional Protocol ๐Ÿ“Š Observational Clinical Research Sponsor: Boston University

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

"Gold-standard" medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment combines FDA-approved medications, primarily methadone and buprenorphine, with behavioral therapies to provide "whole-patient" treatment. Prior to the pandemic, methadone and buprenorphine were subject to greater federal regulations than medications for other substance use disorders, including medication for alcohol use disorder (MAUD), which created barriers to MOUD initiation and retention. These barriers were exacerbated by physical distancing and diminished clinic capacities during the COVID-19 pandemic. To prevent healthcare disruption and expand access to MOUD treatment during the public health emergency, federal and state authorities implemented several MOUD policy changes during the pandemic to reduce barriers to MOUD initiation and retention, which subsequently became permanent. This study is an evaluation of the impacts of these policies on treatment use, retention, and patient outcomes pre- and post-MOUD policy implementation.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: VA Medical Center โ€” Boston, Massachusetts

Age range: 18 Years

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • VA Medical Center โ€” Boston, Massachusetts

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (857) 364-6612

Email: livingn@bu.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—