Considerations for Youth and Adolescents When Implementing MOUD Programs

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a formal policy statement supporting use of medications for adolescents and young adults with opioid use disorder (OUD). The policy statement notes that medications are effective yet underused, with access to treatment “severely restricted for adolescents and young adults.” One of the key barriers is the limited number of physicians, particularly pediatricians, who are trained and waivered to prescribe medication to this population. To address this barrier, rural programs providing medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) can consider expanding access to youth by establishing partnerships and referrals with pediatric and family medical practices.