PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)Federal RequirementsMedium
A pharmacy receives a prescription for Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) for a patient undergoing opioid addiction treatment. Which federal agency regulates the prescribing and dispensing of this medication for this specific use?
- ADrug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- BCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- CSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- DFood and Drug Administration (FDA)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA, through its Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), oversees the regulations and waiver requirements for practitioners to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid addiction treatment.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The DEA regulates controlled substances generally, but SAMHSA specifically governs buprenorphine for MAT.
- B. The CDC focuses on public health and disease prevention, not direct regulation of medication-assisted treatment.
- D. The FDA approves medications for use but does not regulate the specific prescribing practices for addiction treatment.
SAMHSA's Role in MAT
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a federal agency that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation, including regulating and supporting medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder.
- Oversees buprenorphine prescribing for opioid addiction.
- Requires prescribers to obtain a waiver (X-DEA number).
- Administers the DATA 2000 Act.
Memory trick: SAMHSA Saves Addicts with Medications, ensuring Safe Access.