ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor

Ch. 220

(2) adopt regulations regarding the specific experience or training
qualifications required to:

(i) demonstrate the ability of the physician to treat and manage
opiate-dependent patients in an office-based setting; and

(ii) qualify a physician for certification by the Board to apply for a
waiver from SAMHSA to practice office-based, medication-assisted opioid addiction
therapy.

(c)     In implementing the process addition to establishing or designating a
program as required under subsection (a) of this section, the Board shall, through its
website, newsletter, and other correspondence with licensed physicians:

(1)     educate licensed physicians about provisions of the federal Drug
Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 that authorize qualifying physicians to practice
office-based, medication-assisted opioid addiction therapy under a waiver from
SAMHSA;

(2)     inform licensed physicians about the availability of Board training
and certification to qualify for a waiver to practice office based, medication assisted
opioid addiction therapy;

(3)     encourage family practitioners and primary care providers to
consider participating in office-based, medication-assisted opioid addiction therapy;
and

(4)     (3) provide training opportunities for inform licensed physicians
about the availability of training and experience to qualify for a waiver to practice
office-based, medication-assisted opioid addiction therapy that:

(i) address addresses the treatment and management of
opiate-dependent patients in an office-based setting; and

(ii) satisfy satisfies the training requirements that the Board
establishes in the regulations adopted under subsection (b)(2) of this section.

(d)     To the extent feasible, the Board shall, in cooperation with the Alcohol and
Drug Abuse Administration, develop an outreach strategy to educate opioid addicts
about the availability of office-based, medication-assisted opioid addiction therapy.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 2003.

Approved May 13, 2003.

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