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Nursing Commission Update: Buprenorphine Waiver for ARNPs

The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) (Public Law 114-198) extending the privilege of prescribing buprenorphine in office-based settings to qualifying nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) until Oct. 1, 2021. CARA requires that NPs complete 24 hours of training to be eligible for a prescribing waiver.

The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) (Public Law 114-198) extending the privilege of prescribing buprenorphine in office-based settings to qualifying nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) until Oct. 1, 2021. CARA requires that NPs complete 24 hours of training to be eligible for a prescribing waiver.

NPs and PAs must take the eight-hour DATA-waiver course for treatment of opioid use disorder. The course is offered for free by SAMHSA through the Providers’ Clinical Support System for Medication Assisted Treatment (PCSS-MAT).

In addition, NPS and PAs must take additional 16 hours of training. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) plans to offer free training. SAMSHA also approved the following organizations to provide the required training: