MMA to Support Independent Pharmacist Prescribing of Buprenorphine

March 19, 2026

At its March 16 meeting, the MMA Board of Trustees unanimously voted to “support legislative efforts to authorize appropriately trained pharmacists to initiate, prescribe, dispense, and administer buprenorphine,” one of three FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). 

The legislative position was considered in response to a bill introduced by Minnesota pharmacists, who submit that expanded prescribing authority will increase access to MOUD across the state, especially in underserved rural areas.  

Currently, pharmacists can only prescribe buprenorphine in Minnesota through a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) – a formal contract with a physician. Under CPAs, the physician stipulates the rules (e.g., inclusion criteria, doses, availability for consults, compliance with state and federal laws, etc.) and assumes liability.  

Pharmacist representatives report that physicians have been reluctant to issue CPAs for buprenorphine, citing changing clinical guidelines and liability concerns. 

Moreover, pharmacist representatives contend that independent prescribing authority is preferred over a statewide protocol (e.g., like that for naloxone). The former, they argue, allows pharmacists more flexibility to adapt their prescribing to constantly changing clinical guidelines on buprenorphine.  

The legislative position was recommended to the Board by the new MMA Advocacy & Policy Committee. On March 3, the committee reviewed the bill and associated research, considered input from MMA members who practice addition medicine, and spoke with pharmacist advocates. After discussion, the committee, by majority vote, expressed general support for proposed legislation, noting that some further refinements to language could address some reservations. 

Having secured direction from the Board, MMA staff will work with the bill authors to: 

• ensure appropriate documentation in the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) and patient and electronic health records;  

• facilitate referrals to physicians for comprehensive care and ongoing medication management; and  

• ensure patient receipt of resources for ongoing supportive counseling. 

For more information, contact Adrian Uphoff, manager of health policy & regulatory affairs.