PROGRAM

A system of services offered by an organization. For example, an organization providing a mental health service may offer several mental health programs to different populations, e.g., a mental health program for adolescent teens. The word "program" can be used interchangeably with the word "service" or to describe specific programs.		  
close
  PROCEDURES

Written instructions that outline the steps for performing a task(s) or operationalizing an administrative or service delivery process. A procedure can be written as a step-by-step set of instructions or as a narrative description of a process. A procedure tells someone how to do something not just what to do.

Unlike policies, procedures do not need to be approved or reviewed by the governing body, and need not be associated with a specific policy. For example, whereas a broad anti-discrimination policy requires grievance or other procedures in order to be operationalized within an organization, assessment procedures do not require a governing body approved assessment policy.

Note: Procedures are sometimes referred to as administrative policies.

  
close
  ADMINISTRATION

The personnel responsible for management functions of the organization, including fiscal management, human resources, and service delivery. Such personnel determine organizational goals, acquire and allocate resources to carry out a program, coordinate activities toward goal achievement, and monitor, evaluate, and make needed changes in processes and procedures to improve the likelihood of goal achievement. The term is synonymously used with MANAGEMENT.		  
close
  MEDICATION

A prescribed or over-the-counter drug that is injected, taken orally, applied topically, or otherwise administered.		  
close
  CASE RECORD

A written compilation that describes the client and the services delivered. Records can be in hard copy and/or electronic format. The case record can be used as a source of information for quality improvement or other evaluation activities, for research purposes, or to demonstrate accountability to funding bodies. 		 
close
  SUPERVISION

Assumption of responsibility for directly overseeing and evaluating the work or work products of personnel within an organization. Also includes inspecting the act or process of accomplishing a function or activity.		  
close
  SERVICE RECIPIENT

The individuals, groups, organizations, or communities that use, receive, or benefit from programs and services. Service recipients can include consumers, patients, family members, legal guardians, advocates, public/private organizations, employers, and purchasers. All are regarded as significant stakeholders served in a variety of agencies and practice settings.		  
close
COA
USER:  PASS:  LOG IN         
SEARCH:    GO
 
Print
 
Opioid Treatment
  
Private Org Public Agency  

PA-OTP 11: Dosage Requirements

 
The agency follows procedures for administration of opioid treatment medication to ensure that an adequate, individually determined dose is dispensed.

PA-OTP 11.01

 

Opioid treatment medication is administered as follows:

  1. a physician makes all dosage decisions within the medically accepted dosage range for effective treatment;
  2. conditions for use are documented in the person’s case record;
  3. medications are administered and dispensed in accordance with approved product labeling;
  4. the initial dose of methadone does not exceed 30 milligrams, and 40 milligrams as a total dose for the first day; and
  5. methadone is dispensed in oral form.
Interpretation: The physician may exceed the 40 milligrams total dose if it is determined that the previous dosage did not suppress the person’s withdrawal symptoms.
Interpretation: The initial dose of methadone must be determined by an OTP physician familiar with the most up-to-date product labeling, who considers factors, such as body weight, size, other substance-use and abuse, diet, co-occurring disorders, medical diseases, genetic factors, and tolerance. Although the initial dose is indicated not to exceed 30 milligrams, this dose is not appropriate for everyone, and some individuals may require much lower doses. All individuals should be closely monitored during the induction phase and the increases in dosage should be under the close supervision of the physician. It must be documented in the case record when the 40 milligrams total dose is exceeded based on the physician’s determination that the previous dosage did not suppress the person’s withdrawal symptoms.

PA-OTP 11.02

 

When a physician determines a person is eligible to receive take-home medication, the dose is limited to no more than:

  1. one dose per week in the first 90 days of treatment;
  2. two doses per week in the second 90 days of treatment;
  3. three doses per week in the third 90 days of treatment;
  4. a six-day supply in the remaining months of the year;
  5. a two-week supply after one year of continuous treatment; and
  6. a one-month supply after two years of continuous treatment.

PA-OTP 11.03

 
Service recipients receive the appropriate dosage of opioid treatment medication for days when the clinic is closed, for weekends, holidays, and travel.
Interpretation: The agency informs individuals of its plan for administration of medication in the event that the program is temporarily closed due to an emergency.
QUICK JUMP TO
Top
 
PURPOSE: Individuals who participate in Opioid Treatment Programs improve social, emotional, and vocational functioning, achieve optimal productivity, and attain the recovery they seek.
 
RELATED FILES