DOC and DHHS outline medication‑assisted treatment in prisons, cite diversion and capacity limits

Department of Health and Human Services officials told the Health and Human Services Interim Committee they are continuing medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) for people with opioid use disorder in state correctional settings while piloting delivery models to reduce diversion and preserve institutional safety. "MAT, MOUD, is a critical, evidence based component of care for individuals with opioid use disorder," said Dr. Stacy Bank, executive medical director for the department. Department clinical staff and Department of Corrections leaders described program details, funding sources and operational challenges. The department said prison health services screens every person at intake for substance use disorder and that approximately 29 percent of people entering custody meet criteria for opioid use disorder—about…