Medication Assisted Treatment In Recovery Housing

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is one of many viable recovery tools. Research shows MAT with other recovery support services improves engagement and outcomes. Individuals who live or want to live in halfway houses, recovery homes, or other residences for individuals in recovery are sometimes excluded because of their participation in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder. Recovery residence operators cannot legally deny admission solely based on an applicant's current use of physician-prescribed medications unless there’s a legally recognized exception, In those cases, referrals should be made to alternative facilities when available. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply to residences such as recovery houses because they fall under the FHA’s definition of “dwelling.” Individuals in MAT are protected by the FHA & and ADA.

RECOVERY RESIDENCE SUGGESTED PRACTICES MEDICATION ASSISTED THERAPY

A recovery residence may not deny an individual access to housing solely on the basis that he or
she has been prescribed federally approved medication that assists with treatment for
substance use disorders by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or advanced practice
registered nurse.

Why should you consider accepting MAT clients?

The 30 min video below highlights the complexity of substance use disorder and addresses how medication assisted treatment can improve on outcomes in recovery housing models.

The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Opioid Crisis: Combating Discrimination Against People in Treatment or Recovery

This guidance document provides information about how the ADA can protect individuals with OUD from discrimination—an important part of combating the opioid epidemic across American communities. While this document focuses on individuals with OUD, the legal principles discussed also apply to individuals with other types of substance use disorders.