18VAC85-21-160: Special populations in treatment for opioid use disorder

A. Patients younger than 16 years of age shall not be prescribed buprenorphine for addiction treatment unless such treatment is approved by the FDA.

B. The progress of patients with chronic pain shall be assessed by reduction of pain and functional objectives that can be identified, quantified, and independently verified.

C. Practitioners shall (i) evaluate patients with medical comorbidities by history, physical exam, and appropriate laboratory studies and (ii) be aware of interactions of buprenorphine with other prescribed medications.