A3 - Implementing SAMHSA’s 2024 Final Rule: Challenges and Outcomes for Opioid Treatment Programs

Monday, October 6, 2025

10:30am - 12:00pm EST

Location: Salon E-H

Earn 1.5 CE Hour(s)

Primary Presenter(s)

Robert C. Sherrick, MD

Chief Science Officer
Community Medical Services
Kalispell, Montana

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Co-Presenter(s)

Hillary Tamar, MD, FASAM (she/her/hers)

Eastern Territory Medical Director
Community Medical Services
Scottsdale, Arizona
Mark Schaefer, EdS, MA

EVP Clinical Services
Community Medical Services
Scottsdale, Arizona

Presentation Summary: This session will explore the challenges and outcomes associated with implementing the Final Rule across 60 OTPs in 12 states. Since some states have allowed the Final Rule changes to proceed and others have limited implementation by state regulations, a “natural experiment” allows a comparison of states that have adopted the new policies with those that have not, offering insight into operational issues, clinical impact, and patient outcomes. Attendees will gain practical strategies for navigating regulatory changes and enhancing patient outcomes in their OTPs.

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this activity, participants will:

Identify the regulations governing Opioid Treatment Programs including their development and history. Participants will also know the changes that were made in the Final Rule which took effect in April of 2024.
List practical ways of implementing the changes in the Final Rule, including extended take-home doses, more rapid methadone inductions, and expanded use of telemedicine.
Describe patient outcomes - retention, dosing, etc. - that are associated with implementing the changes and be able to compare OTPs that have implemented the changes with those located in states that have not permitted them.