Which act enables physicians to receive a waiver from special registration requirements for medication-assisted opioid therapy?

The Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 is the legislation that allows qualified physicians to receive a waiver from the special registration requirements to prescribe medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence. This act specifically streamlined the process for physicians, allowing them to bypass certain registration requirements and instead focus on providing vital treatment options for patients struggling with opioid addiction.

Under this act, physicians who meet specific criteria and who complete required training can apply for this waiver. This is important because it increases accessibility to necessary treatment for individuals with opioid use disorders, promoting a public health response to the opioid crisis. The act also established protocols for the use of certain medications like buprenorphine, facilitating a more standardized approach to treatment.

The other options refer to important but different aspects of drug regulation and treatment. The Controlled Substance Act is a broader regulatory framework for controlled substances but does not specifically address waiver processes for medication-assisted treatment. The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act also deals with controlled substances but predates the more specific provisions in the Drug Addiction Treatment Act. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Act focuses on broader mental health and substance abuse service needs but does not directly govern the prescribing of specific medications for opioid addiction.