X-Waiver

Full Definition

The X-waiver was a special DEA registration that permitted qualified healthcare providers to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder treatment outside of traditional opioid treatment programs. Providers needed additional training and were subject to patient limits based on their experience level. The waiver system was eliminated in late 2022, removing barriers to buprenorphine prescribing for qualified practitioners. Historical documentation may reference X-waiver requirements and patient limits.

Usage

Usage note: Historical term as of 2023; capitalize 'X' and hyphenate; note elimination in current contexts.

In Context

• "The physician obtained her X-waiver certification to provide buprenorphine treatment to her primary care patients." — Historical clinical note
• "Following elimination of X-waiver requirements, more primary care providers began offering buprenorphine treatment." — Policy analysis