A4 - Legal and Policy Strategies to Improve Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in the Criminal Legal System

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Peale A-C, Level 1

CE: 1.5

Primary Presenter(s)

Gabrielle R. de la Gueronniere, J.D./Law

Gabrielle de la Gueronniere
Legal Action Center
Washington, District of Columbia

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Co-Presenter(s)

Deborah A. Reid, J.D.

Senior Health Policy Attorney
Legal Action Center
Washington, District of Columbia

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Rebekah Joab, J.D.

Staff Attorney
Legal Action Center
New York, New York

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this activity, participants will:

Identify the laws that provide patients in the criminal legal system with legal protections to receive MOUD.
Determine when legal violations of anti-discrimination laws may occur for their patients with MOUD.
Explain ways the Medicaid program applies to people in the criminal legal system.

Presentation Summary: Access to methadone and buprenorphine in correctional and court settings is crucial for many people with opioid use disorder (OUD). While many correctional and court systems now allow medications, many continue to prohibit them and others face implementation hurdles. This training helps providers understand their patient’s legal rights by describing the ADA and other laws that require entities to provide medication access. The training also provides updates on federal activity to strengthen Medicaid coverage and care access for people in the criminal legal system.