NJATOD’s advocacy letter requesting immediate consideration of Assembly Bill A4852 to protect uninterrupted access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). The legislation addresses an unintended conflict between New Jersey’s Schedule II prescribing requirements and existing federal Opioid Treatment Program regulations to prevent disruptions in patient care.
Advocacy & Legislative Affairs
State & Federal Policy
Download NJATOD’s advocacy letter urging the Assembly Health Committee to advance Assembly Bill A4852 before new prescribing requirements create unnecessary barriers to care, disrupt medication access, and jeopardize recovery for thousands of New Jersey patients receiving treatment for opioid use disorder.
Date: May 8, 2026
Key takeaways
- Immediate patient impact: New Schedule II prescribing requirements could interrupt medication access for thousands of patients receiving care through New Jersey Opioid Treatment Programs.
- Existing federal oversight: OTPs already operate under rigorous federal regulations requiring regular in-person care, making the additional state requirement unnecessary for this patient population.
- Most vulnerable at risk: Nursing home residents, individuals in residential treatment, correctional facilities, and patients served through mobile treatment programs would face the greatest barriers to continued care.
What’s inside
- Background on the expiration of New Jersey’s COVID-era telemedicine prescribing flexibilities.
- Explanation of the conflict between state prescribing law and existing federal OTP regulations.
- Potential impacts on patients, providers, and continuity of medication-assisted treatment.
- Community support demonstrating the urgency of legislative action.
- NJATOD’s request for an expedited hearing on Assembly Bill A4852.
