Training & Resources
The Science of Addiction
Dr. Corey Waller is an expert in the field of addiction medicine and has over a decade of experience teaching and training on the evidence-based treatment of addiction. Below are a set of videos Dr. Waller recorded for training of DHCS staff and stakeholders discussing frequently asked questions about addiction and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Additional Training Resources
This toolkit was designed in collaboration with the Aurrera Health Group and offers an overview of the licensing and certification process, helpful tips when applying, how to request additional services and how to apply for Medi-Cal.
Removal of DATA Waiver (X-Waiver) Requirement
Section 1262 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (also known as Omnibus bill), removes the federal requirement for practitioners to submit a Notice of Intent (have a waiver) to prescribe medications, like buprenorphine, for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD).
All practitioners who have a current DEA registration that includes Schedule III authority, may now prescribe buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder in their practice if permitted by applicable state law. SAMHSA and DEA are actively working on implementation of a separate provision of the Omnibus related to training requirements for DEA registration that becomes effective in June 2023. Please continue to check the
SAMHSA website and this webpage for further updates and guidance.
Toolkits for Treatment Providers
As part of the MAT Expansion Project, DHCS is developing toolkits to help providers learn more about MAT and how it can benefit patients in their path to recovery.
Prescriber Toolkit
This
toolkit outlines the necessary steps to obtain a DATA 2000 Waiver to prescribe buprenorphine in a primary care office, or other health care setting.
Residential Facilities Toolkit
This toolkit for residential facilities was developed by Harbage Consulting, with support from the California Health Care Foundation, and in collaboration with DHCS. The toolkit aims to inform residential facilities about the evidence behind MAT, how it can help their patients, and how to get started with prescribing or allowing access to these medications within their facilities. The toolkit consists of three parts, an appendix, and a resource from the National Council for Behavioral Health challenging common myths about MAT.
MAT Toolkit for Counselors
This toolkit for counselors was developed by Harbage Consulting, with support from DHCS. The toolkit is aimed at helping substance use counselors become familiar with MAT and have conversations with their patients about how MAT can help them. The toolkit consists of a short booklet and several short resource documents.
Technical Assistance and Training
Technical assistance and training opportunities are available free of charge to counties and eligible providers. Please contact UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs for more information.
Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System
The Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) is a demonstration project to expand access to substance use disorder services through a Medicaid Section 1115 waiver. DMC-ODS requires that counties provide access to a full continuum of services modeled after the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria.
California MAT Expansion Project
The California MAT Expansion Project aims to increase access to MAT, reduce unmet treatment need, and reduce opioid overdose related deaths through the provision of prevention, treatment, and recovery activities.
