Under what condition may a physician increase the number of patients treated with buprenorphine?

A physician may increase the number of patients treated with buprenorphine if they possess a current "X" waiver DEA number. This is essential because the "X" waiver indicates that the practitioner has completed the required training to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, and it is a legal requirement to have this waiver in order to treat more than the maximum limit set for non-waivered practitioners.

The number of patients a physician can treat with buprenorphine is regulated under federal law, and the possession of the waiver directly impacts the physician’s ability to manage a larger patient load effectively and in compliance with these regulations. Without this waiver, a physician may only treat a limited number of patients with buprenorphine. Thus, having a current "X" waiver is not only crucial for legal prescribing but also reflects the additional responsibilities taken on by the physician in treating patients who have opioid use disorder.