PHPs support use of medications for opioid use disorder
A recent survey from the Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP) shows that the overwhelming majority of physician health programs (PHP) permit use of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) for physicians in PHP monitoring for OUD, including when the physicians are working.
The survey included responses from 94% of the nation’s PHPs. It asked about support for the use (during PHP monitoring) of medications commonly used to treat OUD and alcohol use disorder, finding similar results for both. Among the findings were that 83% of PHPs support the use of long-acting injectable naltrexone, 73% of PHPs support the use of oral buprenorphine, and 69% of PHPs support the use of long-acting injectable buprenorphine.
The AMA and the FSPHP urge PHPs, state medical boards, hospital and health systems, and employers to help end stigma and discrimination against physicians and medical students with substance use disorders. This includes supporting the use of MOUD through a process of shared decision-making that includes the treating physician, the physician-patient, and the PHP. It also includes recommending against restriction of physician licensure, prescribing authority, credentialing or other limits on their ability to practice medicine, solely because a physician's or medical student’s treatment plan includes MOUD.
Read more about the survey (PDF).
More articles in this issue
- Top stories of Advocacy Update: September 2026
- Sept. 18, 2026: National Advocacy Update
- Sept. 18, 2026: Judicial Advocacy Update
