Where there are more opioid overdoses than treatment providers

Several states have fewer doctors who can provide buprenorphine, a treatment for opioid addiction, than they do opioid overdose deaths, according to a new Avalere analysis. Nationally, there's an average of 1.6 opioid overdose deaths per provider who can prescribe buprenorphine, which is the gold standard of treatment.

Why this matters: This clearly shows a shortage in providers who can best treat opioid addicts or those who have overdosed, which is regulated by law. “Extending prescribing privileges to nurse practitioners and physician assistants can facilitate access to this evidence-based treatment," said Avalere's Caroline Pearson.