OPTIC Staff Publications

Policies and Policy Effects
Geographic and Population Variation in Health Care Use
Markets and Illicit Drugs
Maternal and Child Health
Methods
Naloxone
Opioid Prescribing
Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Policies and Policy Effects

Investigating the Complexity of Naloxone Distribution: Which Policies Matter for Pharmacies and Potential Recipients

Jul 25, 2024

This paper evaluates how naloxone access laws influence naloxone dispensing from retail pharmacies.

Rosanna Smart, David Powell, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, Evan D. Peet, Rahi Abouk, Corey S. Davis
Opioid Prescribing Patterns After Imposition of Setting-Specific Limits on Prescription Duration

Jul 25, 2024

This study examined whether an opioid prescription duration limit policy tailored to different clinical settings was associated with shorter opioid prescription lengths.

Lindsay Allen, Robin A. Pollini, Richard Vaglienti, David Powell
Utilization of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Among West Virginia Medicaid Enrollees Following Medicaid Coverage of Methadone

Aug 28, 2024

Researchers conducted time trend and geospatial analyses of Medicaid enrollees between 2016 and 2019 in West Virginia to examine medications for opioid use disorder utilization patterns following Medicaid coverage of methadone.

Samantha J. Harris, Rachel Landis, Wenshu Li, Bradley D. Stein, Brendan Saloner
High-Dose Opioid Prescribing in Individuals with Acute Pain: Assessing the Effects of US State Opioid Policies

Jul 29, 2024

This study examines how prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), pain management clinic regulations, initial prescription duration limits, and mandatory continued medical education affected total and high-dose prescribing.

Ashley C. Bradford, Thuy D. Nguyen, Lucy B. Schulson, Andrew W. Dick, Sumedha Gupta, Kosali Ilayperuma Simon, Bradley D. Stein
A Longitudinal Multivariable Analysis: State Policies and Opioid Dispensing in Medicare Beneficiaries Undergoing Surgery

Jul 29, 2024

This study examines trends in the perioperative opioid dispensing rates for fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries and the effects of select state policies.

Kelsey Caroline Priest, Jessica Merlin, Julie Lai, Mark J. Sorbero, Erin Audrey Taylor, Andrew W. Dick, Bradley D. Stein
Identifying Optimal Methods for Addressing Confounding Bias When Estimating the Effects of State-level Policies

Apr 17, 2024

We conducted a simulation study to examine how differing magnitudes of confounding affected the performance of 4 methods commonly used for state policy evaluations.

Beth Ann Griffin, Megan S. Schuler, Elizabeth Stone, Stephen W. Patrick, Bradley D. Stein, Pedro Nascimento de Lima, Max Griswold, Adam Scherling, Elizabeth A. Stuart

State Policy and the Breadth of Buprenorphine-Prescriber Networks in Medicaid Managed Care

Jun 14, 2023

Researchers used a diff-in-diff approach to compare three Medicaid Managed Care networks for buprenorphine providers across specialties and market segments within the same state.

Mark K. Meiselbach, Coleman Drake, Jane M. Zhu, Brynna Manibusan, Dylan Nagy, Mark J. Sorbero, Brendan Saloner, Bradley D. Stein, Daniel Polsky

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Association of Selected State Policies and Requirements for Buprenorphine Treatment With Per Capita Months of Treatment

Jun 8, 2023

State-mandated educational requirements beyond the initial training required to prescribe buprenorphine were associated with increased buprenorphine use over time.

Bradley D. Stein, Brendan Saloner, Olivia Golan, Barbara Andraka-Christou, Christina Andrews, Andrew W. Dick, Corey S. Davis, Yaou Flora Sheng, Adam J Gordon

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Expert Panel Consensus on State-Level Policies to Improve Engagement and Retention in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Oct 7, 2022

This qualitative study used the ExpertLens online platform to conduct a 3-round modified Delphi process to examine expert consensus on the effectiveness and the ability to implement state-level OUD treatment policies.

Rosanna Smart, Sean Grant, Adam J Gordon, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Expert Views on State-Level Naloxone Access Laws: A Qualitative Analysis of an Online Modified-Delphi Process

Oct 7, 2022

This qualitative study conducted a three-round modified-Delphi process using the online ExpertLens platform. Researchers identified and summarized the views of experts on state-level naloxone access laws.

Sean Grant, Rosanna Smart

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Effectiveness and Implementability of State-Level Naloxone Access Policies: Expert Consensus from an Online Modified-Delphi Process

Jan 25, 2022

This study gathered expert consensus on the effectiveness and implementability of various state-level naloxone strategies.

Rosanna Smart, Sean Grant

Key Takeaway (PDF)

The Effect of State Policies on Rates of High-Risk Prescribing of an Initial Opioid Analgesic

Jan 25, 2022

This study examined how PDMPs, pain clinic laws, and prescribing limit laws have influenced several types of high-risk opioid prescribing, focusing on initial high-risk opioid prescriptions for individuals not routinely taking opioids.

Bradley D. Stein, Yaou Flora Sheng, Erin Audrey Taylor, Andrew W. Dick, Mark J. Sorbero, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Association Between State Laws Facilitating Pharmacy Distribution of Naloxone and Risk of Fatal Overdose

May 22, 2019

Although many states have passed some type of law affecting naloxone availability, only laws allowing direct dispensing by pharmacists appear to be useful. Communities in which access to naloxone is improved should prepare for increases in nonfatal overdoses and link these individuals to effective treatment.

Rahi Abouk, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, David Powell

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Association of Punitive and Reporting State Policies Related to Substance Use in Pregnancy With Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Nov 15, 2019

State policies that impose punitive action against pregnant women who use illicit substances are associated with higher rates of infants being born with opioid withdrawal.

Laura J. Faherty, Ashley M. Kranz, Joshua Russell-Fritch, Stephen W. Patrick, Jonathan H. Cantor, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Impact of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) on Opioid Utilization Among Medicare Beneficiaries in 10 U.S. States

Jun 14, 2017

Implementation of a prescription drug monitoring program in 10 states was associated with a reduction in overall volume of opioid drugs prescribed.

Beth Ann Griffin, G. Caleb Alexander

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Geographic and Population Variation in Health Care Use

Trends and Disparities in Perinatal Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in Medicaid, 2007–2012

May 6, 2024

We found notable disparities in perinatal opioid use disorder treatment for Black and American Indian and Alaska Native women compared to White women.

Rachel Landis, Bradley D. Stein, Andrew W. Dick, Beth Ann Griffin, Brendan Saloner, Mishka Terplan, Laura J. Faherty

Educational Attainment and US Drug Overdose Deaths

Oct 9, 2023

This paper studies how overdose rates have disproportionately changed for low education populations.

David Powell

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Is Associated With Infant Foster Care Entry At The County Level

Oct 20, 2021

This study used a decade of data from U.S. counties to examine how rates of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and county-level characteristics were associated with entry in the child welfare system.

Sarah F. Loch, Bradley D. Stein, Robin Ghertner, Elizabeth McNeer, William D. Dupont, Rosanna Smart, Stephen W. Patrick

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Association of Punitive and Reporting State Policies Related to Substance Use in Pregnancy With Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Nov 15, 2019

State policies that impose punitive action against pregnant women who use illicit substances are associated with higher rates of infants being born with opioid withdrawal.

Laura J. Faherty, Ashley M. Kranz, Joshua Russell-Fritch, Stephen W. Patrick, Jonathan H. Cantor, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Who Receives Naloxone from Emergency Medical Services? Characteristics of Calls and Recent Trends

Sep 17, 2019

Administration of naloxone by emergency medical services personnel is increasing faster than opioid-related deaths.

Caroline Geiger, Rosanna Smart, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Association Among County-Level Economic Factors, Clinician Supply, Metropolitan or Rural Location, and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Feb 1, 2019

This analysis found a significant association among higher long-term unemployment, higher mental health clinician shortage areas, and higher county-level rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Stephen W. Patrick, Laura J. Faherty, Andrew W. Dick, Theresa A. Scott, Judith Dudley, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Association Between State Laws Facilitating Pharmacy Distribution of Naloxone and Risk of Fatal Overdose

May 22, 2019

Although many states have passed some type of law affecting naloxone availability, only laws allowing direct dispensing by pharmacists appear to be useful. Communities in which access to naloxone is improved should prepare for increases in nonfatal overdoses and link these individuals to effective treatment.

Rahi Abouk, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, David Powell

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Impact of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) on Opioid Utilization Among Medicare Beneficiaries in 10 U.S. States

Jun 14, 2017

Implementation of a prescription drug monitoring program in 10 states was associated with a reduction in overall volume of opioid drugs prescribed.

Beth Ann Griffin, G. Caleb Alexander

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Markets and Illicit Drugs

Educational Attainment and US Drug Overdose Deaths

Oct 9, 2023

This paper studies how overdose rates have disproportionately changed for low education populations.

David Powell

Key Takeaway (PDF)

The Evolving Consequences of OxyContin Reformulation on Drug Overdoses

Mar 17, 2021

In this paper, we find that over a longer time horizon, OxyContin reformulation stimulated illicit drug markets to grow and evolve.

David Powell, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Is the Rise in Illicit Opioids Affecting Labor Supply and Disability Claiming Rates?

Mar 10, 2021

Researchers examined how increased use of illicit opioids such as heroin and fentanyl affected labor market participation and claims for disability insurance.

Sujeong Park, David Powell

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Maternal and Child Health

Trends and Disparities in Perinatal Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in Medicaid, 2007–2012

May 6, 2024

We found notable disparities in perinatal opioid use disorder treatment for Black and American Indian and Alaska Native women compared to White women.

Rachel Landis, Bradley D. Stein, Andrew W. Dick, Beth Ann Griffin, Brendan Saloner, Mishka Terplan, Laura J. Faherty

Growth in Suicide Rates Among Children During the Illicit Opioid Crisis

Nov 29, 2023

This paper shows how the transition of the opioid crisis to illicit opioids increased suicide rates among children.

David Powell

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Disparities in Perinatal and Emergency Care Receipt Among Women With Perinatal Opioid Use Disorder in Medicaid, 2007 to 2012

Jul 14, 2023

This study aimed to better understand receipt of perinatal and emergency care among women with perinatal opioid use disorder (OUD) and explore variation by race/ethnicity.

Rachel Landis, Bradley D. Stein, Beth Ann Griffin, Brendan Saloner, Mishka Terplan, Laura J. Faherty

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Is Associated With Infant Foster Care Entry At The County Level

Oct 20, 2021

This study used a decade of data from U.S. counties to examine how rates of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and county-level characteristics were associated with entry in the child welfare system.

Sarah F. Loch, Bradley D. Stein, Robin Ghertner, Elizabeth McNeer, William D. Dupont, Rosanna Smart, Stephen W. Patrick

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Association of Pregnancy and Insurance Status With Treatment Access for Opioid Use Disorder

Sep 3, 2020

In this cross-sectional study with random assignment of clinicians and simulated-patient callers, many women, especially pregnant women, faced barriers to accessing treatment. Given the high out-of-pocket costs and lack of acceptance of insurance among many clinicians, access to affordable opioid use disorder treatment is a significant concern.

Stephen W. Patrick, Michael R. Richards, William D. Dupont, Elizabeth McNeer, Melinda Beeuwkes Buntin, Peter R. Martin, Matthew A. Davis, Corey S. Davis, Katherine E. Hartmann, Ashley A. Leech, Kim S. Lovell, Bradley D. Stein, William O. Cooper

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Association Among County-Level Economic Factors, Clinician Supply, Metropolitan or Rural Location, and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Feb 1, 2019

This analysis found a significant association among higher long-term unemployment, higher mental health clinician shortage areas, and higher county-level rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Stephen W. Patrick, Laura J. Faherty, Andrew W. Dick, Theresa A. Scott, Judith Dudley, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Association of Punitive and Reporting State Policies Related to Substance Use in Pregnancy With Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Nov 15, 2019

State policies that impose punitive action against pregnant women who use illicit substances are associated with higher rates of infants being born with opioid withdrawal.

Laura J. Faherty, Ashley M. Kranz, Joshua Russell-Fritch, Stephen W. Patrick, Jonathan H. Cantor, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Methods

Expert Panel Consensus on State-Level Policies to Improve Engagement and Retention in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Oct 7, 2022

This qualitative study used the ExpertLens online platform to conduct a 3-round modified Delphi process to examine expert consensus on the effectiveness and the ability to implement state-level OUD treatment policies.

Rosanna Smart, Sean Grant, Adam J Gordon, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Expert Views on State-Level Naloxone Access Laws: A Qualitative Analysis of an Online Modified-Delphi Process

Oct 7, 2022

This qualitative study conducted a three-round modified-Delphi process using the online ExpertLens platform. Researchers identified and summarized the views of experts on state-level naloxone access laws.

Sean Grant, Rosanna Smart

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Effectiveness and Implementability of State-Level Naloxone Access Policies: Expert Consensus from an Online Modified-Delphi Process

Jan 25, 2022

This study gathered expert consensus on the effectiveness and implementability of various state-level naloxone strategies.

Rosanna Smart, Sean Grant

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Naloxone

Trends in Out-of-Pocket Costs for Naloxone by Drug Brand and Payer in the US, 2010–2018

Oct 27, 2022

The findings suggest that the out-of-pocket cost of naloxone has been an increasingly substantial barrier to naloxone access for uninsured patients, a population that constitutes nearly one-fifth of adults with opioid use disorder.

Evan D. Peet, David Powell, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Effectiveness and Implementability of State-Level Naloxone Access Policies: Expert Consensus from an Online Modified-Delphi Process

Jan 25, 2022

This study gathered expert consensus on the effectiveness and implementability of various state-level naloxone strategies.

Rosanna Smart, Sean Grant

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Expert Views on State-Level Naloxone Access Laws: A Qualitative Analysis of an Online Modified-Delphi Process

Oct 7, 2022

This qualitative study conducted a three-round modified-Delphi process using the online ExpertLens platform. Researchers identified and summarized the views of experts on state-level naloxone access laws.

Sean Grant, Rosanna Smart

Patient, Prescriber, and Community Factors Associated with Filled Naloxone Prescriptions Among Patients Receiving Buprenorphine 2017–18

Feb 19, 2021

This retrospective analysis examines filled naloxone prescriptions among patients receiving buprenorphine treatment and assesses how rates of filled naloxone prescriptions varies by patient, prescriber, and community characteristics.

Bradley D. Stein, Christopher M. Jones, Rosanna Smart, Yaou Flora Sheng, Mark J. Sorbero

Association Between State Laws Facilitating Pharmacy Distribution of Naloxone and Risk of Fatal Overdose

May 22, 2019

Although many states have passed some type of law affecting naloxone availability, only laws allowing direct dispensing by pharmacists appear to be useful. Communities in which access to naloxone is improved should prepare for increases in nonfatal overdoses and link these individuals to effective treatment.

Rahi Abouk, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, David Powell

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Who Receives Naloxone from Emergency Medical Services? Characteristics of Calls and Recent Trends

Sep 17, 2019

Administration of naloxone by emergency medical services personnel is increasing faster than opioid-related deaths.

Caroline Geiger, Rosanna Smart, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

An Observational Study of Retail Pharmacy Naloxone Prescriptions: Differences Across Provider Specialties and Patient Populations

Dec 6, 2019

This article explores variation in pharmacy-dispensed naloxone by prescriber specialty and patient characteristics.

Rosanna Smart, Caroline Geiger, Christopher M. Jones, Bradley D. Stein

Opioid Prescribing

A National Retrospective Study of Antidepressants' Effects on Overdose and Self-Harm Among Adults Treated With Opioid Analgesics

Oct 19, 2022

Individuals with a history of depression who received opioid analgesics had a significantly lower risk for overdose and self-harm after they had been taking antidepressants for at least 6 weeks.

Tisamarie B. Sherry, Thuy D. Nguyen, Andrew W. Dick, Ashley C. Bradford, Kosali Ilayperuma Simon, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

High-Risk Prescribing to Medicaid Enrollees Receiving Opioid Analgesics: Individual- and County-Level Factors

Jan 16, 2018

Among Medicaid recipients, high-risk prescribing of opioids occurred in 39.4% of episodes. Four characteristics -- older age, rural county of residence, white race, and major depression diagnosis -- were associated with higher rates of all types of high-risk prescribing.

Sara E. Heins, Mark J. Sorbero, Christopher M. Jones, Andrew W. Dick, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Impact of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) on Opioid Utilization Among Medicare Beneficiaries in 10 U.S. States

Jun 14, 2017

Implementation of a prescription drug monitoring program in 10 states was associated with a reduction in overall volume of opioid drugs prescribed.

Beth Ann Griffin, G. Caleb Alexander

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Opioid Analgesic and Benzodiazepine Prescribing Among Medicaid-enrollees with Opioid Use Disorders: The Influence of Provider Communities

Aug 23, 2016

A substantial number of Medicaid enrollees were able to fill prescriptions for opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, or both in the year following diagnosis for an opioid use disorder.

Bradley D. Stein, Joshua Mendelsohn, Adam J Gordon, Andrew W. Dick, Rachel M. Burns, Mark J. Sorbero, Regina A. Shih, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula

Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Prevalence of Buprenorphine Providers Requiring Cash Payment From Insured Women Seeking Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Jun 14, 2023

Researchers used an audit (simulated patient) study methodology to examine appointment-granting behavior by buprenorphine prescribers in ten different U.S. states.

Michael R. Richards, Ashley A. Leech, Bradley D. Stein, Melinda Beeuwkes Buntin, Stephen W. Patrick

Key Takeaway (PDF)

State Policy and the Breadth of Buprenorphine-Prescriber Networks in Medicaid Managed Care

Jun 14, 2023

Researchers used a diff-in-diff approach to compare three Medicaid Managed Care networks for buprenorphine providers across specialties and market segments within the same state.

Mark K. Meiselbach, Coleman Drake, Jane M. Zhu, Brynna Manibusan, Dylan Nagy, Mark J. Sorbero, Brendan Saloner, Bradley D. Stein, Daniel Polsky

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Subsequent Buprenorphine Treatment Following Emergency Physician Buprenorphine Prescription Fills: A National Assessment 2019 to 2020

Mar 23, 2022

This study examined the rates of subsequent buprenorphine treatment for buprenorphine-naïve individuals filling buprenorphine prescriptions from emergency physicians and initiated buprenorphine treatment and how such rates varied before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bradley D. Stein, Brendan Saloner, Rose Kerber, Mark J. Sorbero, Adam J Gordon

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Patient, Prescriber, and Community Factors Associated with Filled Naloxone Prescriptions Among Patients Receiving Buprenorphine 2017–18

Feb 19, 2021

This retrospective analysis examines filled naloxone prescriptions among patients receiving buprenorphine treatment and assesses how rates of filled naloxone prescriptions varies by patient, prescriber, and community characteristics.

Bradley D. Stein, Christopher M. Jones, Rosanna Smart, Yaou Flora Sheng, Mark J. Sorbero

Assessment of State and Federal Health Policies for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

Nov 23, 2021

Researchers summarize the multitude of ways access to and utilization of treatment for individuals with OUD might have been expanded by state and federal policy during COVID-19 pandemic in 4 key areas: telehealth, privacy, licensing, and medication.

Seema Choksy Pessar, Anne E. Boustead, Yimin Ge, Rosanna Smart, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Buprenorphine Prescriber Monthly Patient Caseloads: An Examination of 6-Year Trajectories

Oct 1, 2021

We examine buprenorphine-prescribing clinicians' patient caseloads over time and explore prescriber characteristics associated with different caseload trajectories.

Irineo Cabreros, Beth Ann Griffin, Brendan Saloner, Adam J Gordon, Rose Kerber, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Concentration of Patient Care Among Buprenorphine-Prescribing Clinicians in the U.S.

Jun 10, 2021

Drawing on national retail pharmacy data, researchers identified and categorized clinicians who prescribed buprenorphine for OUD at least once between January 2017 and December 2018.

Bradley D. Stein, Brendan Saloner, Megan S. Schuler, Jill Gurvey, Mark J. Sorbero, Adam J Gordon

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Growing Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Buprenorphine Distribution in the United States, 2007–2017

Apr 27, 2021

We find ecological evidence consistent with racial/ethnic disparities in buprenorphine distribution. Our finding that initiatives to increase the number of waivered prescribers are insufficient to achieve equitable buprenorphine access.

Megan S. Schuler, Andrew W. Dick, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Association of Pregnancy and Insurance Status With Treatment Access for Opioid Use Disorder

Sep 3, 2020

In this cross-sectional study with random assignment of clinicians and simulated-patient callers, many women, especially pregnant women, faced barriers to accessing treatment. Given the high out-of-pocket costs and lack of acceptance of insurance among many clinicians, access to affordable opioid use disorder treatment is a significant concern.

Stephen W. Patrick, Michael R. Richards, William D. Dupont, Elizabeth McNeer, Melinda Beeuwkes Buntin, Peter R. Martin, Matthew A. Davis, Corey S. Davis, Katherine E. Hartmann, Ashley A. Leech, Kim S. Lovell, Bradley D. Stein, William O. Cooper

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Growth and Distribution of Buprenorphine-Waivered Providers in the United States, 2007–2017

Jan 8, 2020

This study sheds light on the distribution of buprenorphine-waivered prescribers over the past decade. Growth has been rapid in communities affected by the opioid crisis, but slower in rural communities, and those with lower levels of education.

Ryan K. McBain, Andrew W. Dick, Mark J. Sorbero, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Association of Punitive and Reporting State Policies Related to Substance Use in Pregnancy With Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Nov 15, 2019

State policies that impose punitive action against pregnant women who use illicit substances are associated with higher rates of infants being born with opioid withdrawal.

Laura J. Faherty, Ashley M. Kranz, Joshua Russell-Fritch, Stephen W. Patrick, Jonathan H. Cantor, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Access to Office-Based Buprenorphine Treatment in Areas With High Rates of Opioid-Related Mortality: An Audit Study

Sep 23, 2019

In the six jurisdictions with the highest rate of opioid-related mortality in 2016, the most prominent barrier to accessing buprenorphine treatment was the difficulty of finding clinicians.

Tamara Beetham, Brendan Saloner, Sarah E. Wakeman, Marema Gaye, Michael L. Barnett

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Changes in Outpatient Services and Medication Use Following a Non-fatal Opioid Overdose in the West Virginia Medicaid Program

Mar 12, 2019

Fewer than 10% of West Virginia Medicaid enrollees received medication for opioid use disorder after a non-fatal overdose, making it an opportunity to increase treatment for opioid use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Neel Koyawala, Rachel Landis, Colleen L. Barry, Bradley D. Stein, Brendan Saloner

A Population-Based Examination of Trends and Disparities in Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders Among Medicaid Enrollees

Jun 27, 2018

The number of Medicaid recipients receiving medication to treat opioid abuse increased sharply in the years after approval of a new drug, but the increase was smaller in poorer counties and areas with larger populations of black and Hispanic residents.

Bradley D. Stein, Andrew W. Dick, Mark J. Sorbero, Adam J Gordon, Rachel M. Burns, Douglas L. Leslie, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula

Key Takeaway (PDF)

Prescribing Patterns of Buprenorphine Waivered Physicians

Nov 7, 2017

Most buprenorphine prescribers treat many fewer patients than allowed by the current patient limit. Increasing the limit above 100 would likely improve access only for patients of a few high prescribers.

Cindy Parks Thomas, Erin Doyle, Peter W. Kreiner, Christopher M. Jones, Joel Dubenitz, Alexis Horan, Bradley D. Stein

Key Takeaway (PDF)

How to Support Victims of Elder Mistreatment

Climate Change Affects Health and Will Increase Drug Demand

Evacuating from Hurricane Milton: What the Whole Community Can Do

Hurricane Milton: The Latest Climate-Related Threat to American Health

The Math Equity Equation

The Policy Currents Podcast

Getting to Know Military Caregivers and Their Needs

Managing Escalation in Crisis and War

Assessing and Articulating the Wider Benefits of Research

Improving Access to Early Childhood Education

OPTIC Staff Publications

Policies and Policy Effects

Investigating the Complexity of Naloxone Distribution: Which Policies Matter for Pharmacies and Potential Recipients

Opioid Prescribing Patterns After Imposition of Setting-Specific Limits on Prescription Duration

Utilization of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Among West Virginia Medicaid Enrollees Following Medicaid Coverage of Methadone

High-Dose Opioid Prescribing in Individuals with Acute Pain: Assessing the Effects of US State Opioid Policies

A Longitudinal Multivariable Analysis: State Policies and Opioid Dispensing in Medicare Beneficiaries Undergoing Surgery

Identifying Optimal Methods for Addressing Confounding Bias When Estimating the Effects of State-level Policies

State Policy and the Breadth of Buprenorphine-Prescriber Networks in Medicaid Managed Care

Association of Selected State Policies and Requirements for Buprenorphine Treatment With Per Capita Months of Treatment

Trends in Methadone Dispensing for Opioid Use Disorder After Medicare Payment Policy Changes

How Much Can You Trust the Results of This Health Policy Evaluation: A Pragmatic Guide for State Policymakers

State Approaches to Tackling the Opioid Crisis Through the Health Care System

Prior Authorization Restrictions on Medications for Opioid Use Disorder: Trends in State Laws from 2005 to 2019

Expert Panel Consensus on State-Level Policies to Improve Engagement and Retention in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Expert Views on State-Level Naloxone Access Laws: A Qualitative Analysis of an Online Modified-Delphi Process

Effectiveness and Implementability of State-Level Naloxone Access Policies: Expert Consensus from an Online Modified-Delphi Process

The Effect of State Policies on Rates of High-Risk Prescribing of an Initial Opioid Analgesic

Buprenorphine Treatment Episode Duration, Dosage, and Concurrent Prescribing of Benzodiazepines and Opioid Analgesics: The Effects of Medicaid Prior Authorization Policies

Laws for Expanding Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder: A Legal Analysis of 16 States & Washington D.C.

State Policies and Buprenorphine Prescribing by Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants

Moving Beyond the Classic Difference-In-Differences Model: A Simulation Study Comparing Statistical Methods for Estimating Effectiveness of State-Level Policies

Systematic Review of the Emerging Literature on the Effectiveness of Naloxone Access Laws in the United States

The State of the Science in Opioid Policy Research

Association of State Opioid Duration Limits With Postoperative Opioid Prescribing

The Association of State Opioid Misuse Prevention Policies With Patient- and Provider-Related Outcomes: A Scoping Review

Four States With Robust Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs Reduced Opioid Dosages

Legal Requirements and Recommendations to Prescribe Naloxone

We Need a Taxonomy of State-Level Opioid Policies

Association Between State Laws Facilitating Pharmacy Distribution of Naloxone and Risk of Fatal Overdose

Association of Punitive and Reporting State Policies Related to Substance Use in Pregnancy With Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Impact of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) on Opioid Utilization Among Medicare Beneficiaries in 10 U.S. States

The Affordable Care Act in The Heart of the Opioid Crisis: Evidence from West Virginia

Do Medical Marijuana Laws Reduce Addictions and Deaths Related to Pain Killers?

Did the Dependent Coverage Expansion Increase Risky Substance Use Among Young Adults?

Funding Considerations in the Fight Against the Opioid Epidemic: What the Science Tells Us

Policies to Support a Better Treatment for Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse: Unlike Methadone, Buprenorphine Can Be Taken at Home, but Greater Access is Key

Policies Related to Opioid Agonist Therapy for Opioid Use Disorders: The Evolution of State Policies from 2004 to 2013

Supply of Buprenorphine Waivered Physicians: The Influence of State Policies

Geographic and Population Variation in Health Care Use

Trends and Disparities in Perinatal Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in Medicaid, 2007–2012

Educational Attainment and US Drug Overdose Deaths

Sociodemographic Differences in Quality of Treatment to Medicaid Enrollees Receiving Buprenorphine

Patterns in Geographic Distribution of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facilities in the US and Accepted Forms of Payment From 2010 to 2021

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Is Associated With Infant Foster Care Entry At The County Level

Mental Health Conditions and Substance Use Disorders Among Youth Subsequently Diagnosed With Opioid Use Disorder or Opioid Poisoning

Multiplying the Impact of Opioid Settlement Funds by Investing in Primary Prevention

Association of Medicare Part D Benzodiazepine Coverage Expansion With Changes in Fall-Related Injuries and Overdoses Among Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries

Five-Year Outcomes Among Medicaid-Enrolled Children With In Utero Opioid Exposure

How Increasing Medical Access to Opioids Contributes to the Opioid Epidemic: Evidence from Medicare Part D

An Observational Study of Retail Pharmacy Naloxone Prescriptions: Differences Across Provider Specialties and Patient Populations

Association of Punitive and Reporting State Policies Related to Substance Use in Pregnancy With Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Who Receives Naloxone from Emergency Medical Services? Characteristics of Calls and Recent Trends

Association Among County-Level Economic Factors, Clinician Supply, Metropolitan or Rural Location, and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Association Between State Laws Facilitating Pharmacy Distribution of Naloxone and Risk of Fatal Overdose

Physician Prescribing of Opioids to Patients at Increased Risk of Overdose From Benzodiazepine Use in the United States

The Affordable Care Act in The Heart of the Opioid Crisis: Evidence from West Virginia

Effect of Age on Opioid Prescribing, Overdose, and Mortality in Massachusetts, 2011 to 2015

The Ecology of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Do Medical Marijuana Laws Reduce Addictions and Deaths Related to Pain Killers?

High-Risk Prescribing to Medicaid Enrollees Receiving Opioid Analgesics: Individual- and County-Level Factors

Impact of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) on Opioid Utilization Among Medicare Beneficiaries in 10 U.S. States

Did the Dependent Coverage Expansion Increase Risky Substance Use Among Young Adults?

Policies to Support a Better Treatment for Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse: Unlike Methadone, Buprenorphine Can Be Taken at Home, but Greater Access is Key

Policies Related to Opioid Agonist Therapy for Opioid Use Disorders: The Evolution of State Policies from 2004 to 2013

Supply of Buprenorphine Waivered Physicians: The Influence of State Policies

Markets and Illicit Drugs

Educational Attainment and US Drug Overdose Deaths

Trends in Overdose Deaths Involving Gabapentinoids and Z-drugs in the United States

Understanding the Rise in Overdose Deaths Involving Opioids and Non-Opioid Prescription Drugs in the United States