The opioid epidemic began with prescription opioid misuse, which morphed into heroin use and, at present, to increased fentanyl use. Our country has also entered an era of increased stimulant use, particularly with methamphetamine. It is also fair to indicate that COVID-19 lasted for far longer than any reasonable person could have anticipated. Both situations have had tragic results and have ushered in an era of policy considerations about how we should increase access for the treatment of opioid use disorder and how we should evaluate existing regulatory oversight in an era that has been reshaped by these combined public health challenges. A goal of this policy initiative is to expand access to care through innovations that do not sacrifice the quality or the integrity of the treatment experience throughout the continuum of care.
