Specifications include, but are not limited to: To ensure successful implementation of the MOUD Induction program, the Contractor shall address key challenges by ensuring: (1) ED clinical and support staff are trained in the most effective evidence-based clinical practices in identifying patients with OUD, and the treatment of OUD through proper initiation and prescribing practices. (2) identification and establishment of agreements with community partners. Community partners and treatment programs may be available, but ED clinicians and staff may not be aware of, or familiar with, these programs and their resources. It is essential to understand what SUD services are available locally and to develop pathways with those programs to ensure seamless transition from the ED to referral sites. (3) misconceptions are addressed about medications treating opioid use disorder for clinicians, staff, and patients. It is essential to reinforce that MOUD are medications prescribed by a health provider, in a certain dose, and taken according to a specific schedule. 5.2 Treatment Gaps. The Contractor shall cover treatment gaps in the community for patients living with a substance use disorder, by providing the following to people at all stages of opioid and other addictions: (1) urgent access. Urgent access is defined as initiation of MOUD following screening and assessment to determine if the patient who has experienced an overdose or is experiencing withdrawal meets the diagnosis of a moderate to severe OUD. Once the assessment is made for OUD, then the degree of withdrawal must be assessed before initiating MOUD treatment. (2) individualized patient care. Individualized care is defined as care that is planned to meet the needs of the individual patient, as opposed to a routine applied to all patients suffering from the same disease. (3) patient-centered care. Patient-centered care is defined as treatment that focuses on the patient and the individual's particular health care needs. The goal of patient-centered health care is to empower patients to become active participants in their care; and (4) compassionate care. Compassionate care is defined as medical services provided to patients based on empathy, respect, and dignity.
