Improving Access to Skilled Nursing Facilities for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder
- Access to Care for Opioid Use Disorder Patients in Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) often need care after a hospital stay.
- A research team, led by Patience Moyo Dow from Brown University, has highlighted ways to improve care access for OUD patients in SNFs.
Access to Care for Opioid Use Disorder Patients in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) often need care after a hospital stay. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) can provide this care without the high costs of hospitals. However, these patients face several barriers.
Barriers to Admission
- Stigma: Many SNFs have negative perceptions of patients with OUD, making it hard for them to get admitted.
- Financial Constraints: Many SNFs lack the funding to support patients on Medicaid.
- Regulatory Challenges: SNFs struggle to provide methadone treatment due to federal regulations that limit access to this medication.
Research Efforts
A research team, led by Patience Moyo Dow from Brown University, has highlighted ways to improve care access for OUD patients in SNFs. Their policy commentary discusses strategies like:
- Reducing stigma against OUD patients.
- Increasing financial support for SNFs.
- Strengthening partnerships between hospitals and SNFs to aid patient transitions.
Addressing Medication Access
The research team urges expanding access to medications for OUD in SNFs. The U.S. Department of Justice has found that denying care to patients who take medication for OUD violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. In 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration eased restrictions on who can dispense buprenorphine, making it easier for SNFs to provide this treatment.
Conclusion
The research aims to prepare the healthcare system for an increase in older patients with OUD needing care. By addressing these barriers, the goal is to ensure that the unique needs of these patients are met effectively.