APhA's Legislative Triumph Expands Pharmacists' Role in Buprenorphine Prescribing and Opioid Treatment

APhA Achieves Landmark Legislative Victory

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) has recently announced a pivotal legislative triumph that enhances the role of pharmacists in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). This breakthrough comes as a response to the increasing significance of pharmacists in the healthcare landscape, especially concerning the ongoing opioid crisis affecting communities across the United States.

On December 1, 2025, President Trump enacted H.R. 2483, known as the "SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025." This law incorporates a vital provision that empowers pharmacists to prescribe buprenorphine, a critical medication used in OUD treatment, contingent upon obtaining specialized training. The APhA, in collaboration with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), will provide an 8-hour continuing pharmacy education (CPE) course focused on this training, fulfilling the legal requisites for prescribing buprenorphine and maintaining compliance with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations.

Importance of the Legislation

With the opioid epidemic claiming countless lives and affecting countless families, the inclusion of pharmacists as authorized prescribers represents a significant step towards addressing this public health emergency head-on. Michael D. Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, who serves as the executive vice president and CEO of APhA, stated, "Pharmacists are on the front lines of patient care, and this provision recognizes their critical role in addressing the opioid epidemic. By enabling pharmacists to prescribe buprenorphine with appropriate training, we are expanding access to treatment and saving lives."

This legislation not only reauthorizes numerous programs related to substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery but also retroactively enacts it as of December 29, 2022. It is noteworthy that states will need to authorize their pharmacists to prescribe buprenorphine before they can partake in this valuable CPE training.

Aligning with Broader Legislative Efforts

The provision aligns seamlessly with the objectives set forth in the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act, a measure that has received strong support from APhA. Additionally, it builds upon previous advancements achieved through the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, which abolished the outdated X-waiver requirement. This elimination means that pharmacists and other healthcare providers can more easily prescribe buprenorphine, thus facilitating greater access to life-saving treatment.

This landmark moment signifies that APhA has been explicitly recognized in U.S. legislation for the first time, marking an unprecedented milestone not just for the association but for the entire pharmacy profession.

Next Steps for Pharmacists

In light of this groundbreaking legislation, APhA is set to provide more detailed information regarding how pharmacists may access the necessary CPE training through their partnership with ACPE. This development is pivotal as it not only signifies progress in the fight against the opioid crisis but also reinforces the integral role pharmacists play in ensuring health care quality and accessibility.

APhA continues to be the leading voice in advocating for the pharmacy profession and enhancing the vital services pharmacists provide to their communities. Their proactive approach in legislative matters exemplifies a commitment to improving health outcomes and fostering patient care through innovative solutions.

About APhA

The American Pharmacists Association stands as the singular organization championing the pharmacy profession in its entirety. Based in Washington, DC, APhA is dedicated to promoting the role of pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in optimizing medication use and enhancing patient health outcomes. With strong advocacy, excellent educational resources, comprehensive practice tools, and opportunities for professional growth, APhA leads the way in defining national standards, policies, and best practices to advance the pharmacy profession and patient care. To learn more, visit www.pharmacist.com.