Table 1.
Comparison of pre-COVID-19 take-home methadone dose regulations and reforms allowed by SAMHSA during the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Step levels for take-home methadone doses | Pre-COVID-19 schedule to attain step level | COVID-19 rules for step level | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 take-home dose/week | 0–90 days | Patient stability assessment throughout | No explicit rule |
| Up to 2 take-home doses/week | 91–180 days | No explicit rule | |
| Up to 3 take-home doses/week | 181–270 days | No explicit rule | |
| Up to 6 take-home doses/week | 271–365 days | No explicit rule | |
| Up to 14 take-home doses (2 weeks) | 1 year-2 years | “Less stable” patients | |
| Up to 28 take-home doses (1 month) | >2 years | “Stable” patients | |