Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
 
Board
State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
 
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10/23/24  12:14 pm
Commenter: anonymous

weekly UDS and telehealth
 
I am a strong advocate for patients in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs to have access to telehealth services. Telehealth offers a convenient and accessible option for individuals seeking support in their recovery journey, allowing them to engage with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes.

Additionally, I want to address the practice of conducting weekly urinary drug screens. While monitoring is essential for patient safety and progress, frequent drug screenings can inadvertently lead to feelings of shame and inconvenience. Such practices may create barriers for patients, making them feel stigmatized rather than supported in their recovery efforts.

By prioritizing telehealth services and re-evaluating the frequency of drug screenings, we can foster a more compassionate and effective approach to MAT programs, ultimately empowering patients on their paths to recovery.

CommentID: 228188