The Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000

The Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA) allows physicians who meet certain qualifying criteria to use Schedule III, IV and V narcotics for office-based treatment. Buprenorphine is the only drug approved for this type of opioid dependence treatment. To prescribe buprenorphine, physicians must complete at least 8 hours of training in the use of this drug for either medical withdrawal (i.e. detoxification) or maintenance. However, physicians who hold subspecialty board certification in addiction psychiatry from the American Board of Medical Specialties, subspecialty board certification in addiction medicine from the American Osteopathic Association, or an addiction certification from the American Society of Addiction Medicine can prescribe buprenorphine without the need for further training.