SAMHSA’s Practitioner Champion Initiative
Become one of a growing number of healthcare practitioners who are taking action to support those with substance use disorders (SUD), including opioid use disorder (OUD).
SAMHSA’s Practitioner Champion Initiative (PCI) is an initiative that highlights the work of practitioners who have integrated SUD and OUD treatment for their patients into their care settings. PCI is an opportunity for peers to share their experiences and expertise on ways in which you might open your practice to treat and support your patients with SUD and OUD in coordination with their other healthcare needs.
The elimination of the DATA-Waiver (X-Waiver) expanded the number of practitioners who can prescribe Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for OUD (MOUD), providing more options than ever to support patients with OUD. If you hold a DEA registration with Schedules II-V, you can treat OUD in your regular practice, if state law permits.
There are various pathways to recovery. The use of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, is one component of an evidence-based care plan that also includes counseling, behavioral therapies, and medical and social services to best meet the needs of each individual.
Through the PCI, you can connect with other practitioners and learn from MOUD champions, share your experience in providing MOUD and supporting patients as they move into recovery, reduce stigma, and create greater awareness of ways to provide these services. Providing these services is a benefit to your practice as well to your patients.
Your Actions Today Could Save a Life!
If you are new to or have recently begun treating patients with an OUD, the PCI offers valuable information from other practitioners sharing their experiences and lessons learned. You can gain insights from and share stories with other practitioners about how to support those in need of treatment services. Learn how practitioners are reducing stigma, addressing misconceptions about SUD, and highlighting the benefits of these services for both practitioners and patients.
Become a Practitioner Champion
By becoming a Practitioner Champion, you join a peer-to-peer movement that encourages ongoing learning and support to offer MOUD services in a wide range of healthcare settings. Demonstrate your commitment to increasing access to MOUD by:
- Sharing your story. Help educate your peers on topics such as the benefits of providing office-based treatment, implementing new office protocols, training and supporting clinical and nonclinical staff, and prescribing MOUD.
- Offering your expertise. Become a mentor and work with other practitioners treating people with OUD.
- Displaying the Practitioner Champion badge. Add the PCI badge to your email signature or social media profile to show your support for this important, lifesaving initiative to expand MOUD for those who need it most.
If you are interested in becoming a Practitioner Champion, please send an email to SAMHSA’s Provider Support Team.
Practitioner Champion Videos
Learn from Practitioner Champions who have integrated SUD and MOUD services into their practices for years on how they integrated, the benefits, and dispelling stigma within their practice.