New York Society of Addiction Medicine

US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Guidance on Discrimination Protections for People with Opioid Use Disorder

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  • People with OUD in recovery, not engaging in illegal drug use including those taking medications for OUD are protected under federal anti-discrimination labs including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Document includes guidance about how patients with opioid use disorder are protected by federal anti-discrimination laws including discrete examples such as: patients being turned away by ED if experiencing an overdose, jail not allowing continuation medications for OUD (MOUD) to inmates previously on these medications, a doctor’s office refusing to care for patients with OUD, etc.
  • It also includes guidance on what to do if you or your patient has experienced discrimination because of their OUD or treatment for their OUD including how to file complaints with the Department of Justice.
  • See the full guidance here.
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The New York Society of Addiction Medicine is a physician-led professional community committed to the advancement of evidence-based addiction science and care. Together, we can overcome substance use disorders and the disease of addiction.View All Posts by NYSAM