Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Medicine
 
chapter
Regulations Governing Prescribing of Opioids and Buprenorphine [18 VAC 85 ‑ 21]
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6/2/25  11:47 am
Commenter: Stephanie Gum

Support for Regulatory Change to Expand Access to Buprenorphine
 

I've worked in the addiction field for 12 years and bring my own lived experience with opioid use disorder to the work I do every day. I’ve seen firsthand how critical timely access to treatment can be, especially for young people.

I fully support the proposed changes to the regulations governing the prescribing of buprenorphine (Suboxone). These updates would remove outdated barriers, align treatment practices with current medical evidence, and expand access to life-saving care for those who need it most, including adolescents.

This change isn’t just about policy, it’s about people. It’s about families. And it’s about protecting our children. I urge the Board to adopt these changes in the interest of saving lives and providing compassionate, evidence-based care to all who need it, regardless of age.

CommentID: 236838