Abstract
- Opioid overdose deaths remain a major public health concern in the United States and led to the recent changes in regulations that allow nurse practitioners (NPs) to prescribe buprenorphine without the previously required Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) waiver. Previously, waiver requirements included 24 hours of opioid use disorder (OUD) and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) training. While this training is no longer required, NPs need education related to providing non-stigmatizing care to individuals with OUD and safe MOUD prescribing practices. A combination of online didactic modules, in-person simulation activities, and experiential learning was provided to psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and family nurse practitioner (FNP) students enrolled in a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. OUD was presented through a chronic care lens to normalize treatment and decrease stigma and harm reduction principles were included to increase safe prescribing of MOUD. Fifty-six students completed the didactic training, 51 students participated in the simulation, and 11 students completed shadowing experiences with an experienced MOUD provider. PMHNP and FNP graduates of this DNP program have the knowledge and skills to provide MOUD to individuals struggling with OUD; thus, potentially increasing access to care and decreasing overdose deaths.