Introduced by:   George L. Bradley, DO – Delegate, Gaston County Medical Society

Referred to:        Reference Committee No. 1 – Timothy M. Beittel, MD, Chair

WHEREAS, opiate habituation and addiction has become epidemic in our country; and

WHEREAS, following appropriate training, certification and approval by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) within the provisions of the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA 2000), a waiver can be granted by the DEA to allow a physician to detoxify and maintain an opiate addict with Suboxone (buprenorphine); and

WHEREAS, symptoms of withdrawal can generally be controlled in approximately 1 hour following the first dose; and

WHEREAS, there is a distinct shortage of practitioners certified to work with Suboxone; and

WHEREAS, the successful treatment of opiate addiction is in the best interest of humane treatment of those who are addicted (whether their own design or due to excessive or prolonged prescription), in the best interest of public safety and public health; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the North Carolina Medical Society supports Suboxone education efforts and certification for its use in detoxification and maintenance under a waiver by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.  (policy)

Additional information: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (SAMHSA/CSAT) at info@buprenorphine, samhsa.gov or call 1-866-BURCSAT ( 1-866-287-2728).

Fiscal Note:  No additional funding above current resources estimated.  Current resources will be allocated based on the priorities of the Society and the NCMS budget.

Next Resolution…  |  Back to Main 2012 HOD List