Obtaining a Waiver to Prescribe Buprenorphine

Before you can prescribe buprenorphine you must first completed an approved 8-hour training program, like the one here at BupPractice.com. Then physicians who complete training must then submit a waiver to SAMHSA before starting to prescribe.

Steps to Submit Your Buprenorphine Waiver:

1. Submit the waiver notification form - you can obtain a print-version or submit the waiver online at http://buprenorphine.samhsa.gov -  How to Obtain a Waiver
2. Wait approximately 45 days for SAMHSA to review your waiver notification once they receive it. After your waiver notification has been reviewed, you will receive a prescribing identification number ("X" number) via mail.
3. If you do not receive your prescribing identification number within 2 months, contact SAMHSA at 1-866-287-2728 or via e-mail at info@buprenorphine.samhsa.gov.

Note that physicians who have completed training can immediately treat one patient emergently but must wait until getting their prescribing identification number before taking a caseload of patients.