DOC officials describe how MOUD is delivered in Vermont correctional facilities, flag diversion and staffing hurdles

Department of Corrections officials and clinical staff told a legislative committee that Vermont correctional facilities have provided medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) since 2018 and are moving toward faster, more standardized treatment while confronting diversion, staffing and logistics challenges.

Dr. Jim Muelliger, State Medical Director for Wellpath, told the committee that "MOUD began, by law in Vermont Correctional Facilities in 2018" and described how intake screening, diagnostic interviews and withdrawal assessments determine who is started on medication while in custody.

Why it matters: Committee members said they plan to consider H.32, proposed legislation on MOUD, and asked for a clear baseline of current clinical practice before debating statutory changes. DOC officials urged the panel to hear both clinical realities and operational constraints such as med-line logistics and staffing.

What officials said about how people enter treatment: Muelliger and DOC staff described three main entry points: (1) people arrive already receiving MOUD in the community and staff verify prescriptions with the state prescription monitoring system; (2) people presenting with opioid withdrawal are assessed using the Clinical Opiate…