Information on Opioid Treatment Services

Provider alerts, notices, guidance, forms, resources, and regulations related to opioid treatment in Massachusetts.

About Opioid Treatment

Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) are SAMHSA-certified organized addiction treatment for opioid addicted persons, providing FDA-approved medications and counseling and other services needed to assist the patient in achieving stability. Opioid treatment includes interim maintenance, maintenance, and medically supervised withdrawal.

Regulations

• Massachusetts State Regulation for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs – 105 CMR 164.000
• Federal Regulations on Patient Confidentiality in SUD Treatment (42 CFR Part 2)

BSAS Guidance

• DPH BSAS Revised Exception Request Guidelines (DOCX)
• DPH BSAS Revised Waiver from Certain Regulatory Requirements and Guidance 42 CFR Part 8 and 105 CMR 164.000 (DOCX)
• OTP Training and Technical Assistance OTP TTA - Regulatory Change Companion Guide (DOCX)
• Best Practices Promoting Infectious Disease Testing in MA Opioid Treatment Programs (DOCX)
• Final Rule – BSAS OTP Provider Letter (DOCX)
• Final Rule – BSAS OTP Patient Letter (DOCX)
  • Portuguese Final Rule – BSAS OTP Patient Letter (DOCX)
  • Spanish Final Rule – BSAS OTP Patient Letter (DOCX)
  • Russian Final Rule – BSAS OTP Patient Letter (DOCX)
  • Ukrainian Final Rule – BSAS OTP Patient Letter (DOCX)
  • Haitian Creole Final Rule – BSAS OTP Patient Letter DOCX
  • Vietnamese Final Rule- BSAS OTP Patient Letter DOCX

Resources

• Additional Information for Licensed Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs
• Public Records Request Form
• Massachusetts OTP Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Center for staff training, peer learning, guides, and other resources

Substance Use Data Reports

• Substance Use Data Reports from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Federal Resources

• TIP 63: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder- this Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) reviews the use of the three Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications used to treat OUD—methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine—and the other strategies and services needed to support recovery for people with OUD. SAMHSA Instructions for Submitting an OTP Exception Request
• TAP 34: Disaster Planning Handbook for Behavioral Health Service Programs- this Technical Assistance Publication (TAP), updated in 2021, guides behavioral health service and substance use disorder treatment programs wanting to develop or update a comprehensive, scalable, and flexible disaster plan. It addresses planning needs specific to programs that offer prevention services, outpatient or residential treatment, medically supervised withdrawal, and pharmacotherapy.
• Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) Narcotic Treatment Program Regulation Manual
• Federal Guidelines for Opioid Treatment Program Guidelines – Winter 2025 (DOCX)

Contact Us

• Jen Babich, State Opioid Treatment Authority
  [e-mail]
• Michael Gurney, Opioid Services Coordinator
  [e-mail]