Part D: Critical Questions and Links to Information Regarding Clinical and Regulatory Requirements for Implementing Methadone Maintenance Programs: Examples of Approaches

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This section provides a number of frequently asked questions about how methadone programs are regulated and operated in various countries. Answers to these questions can be found in a number of key resource documents that provide guidance in areas such as patient assessment, management of the facility and the clinical environment, safety issues and adverse events, staff credentialing, patient admission criteria, dosage guidelines, withdrawal and discharge requirements, provision of concurrent services, and support of community relations and education. Links also are provided to the regulations that guide the legal dispensing of opioid-controlled substances for maintenance or detoxification treatment. This information is provided to illustrate the impact of methadone maintenance therapy research on actual program regulation and implementation within the international community. The countries identified are provided as examples of how regulatory requirements are addressed in other countries.

• Question 1: How are methadone programs approved or registered for operation?
• Question 2: What forms of methadone are acceptable for treatment?
• Question 3: What are the guidelines for initial dosing?