Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Implementation in Vermont Correctional Facilities
Executive Summary
This brief examines the implementation of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in correctional settings, with a focus on operational barriers, facilitators, and continuity of care following release. While MOUD has been available in Vermont correctional facilities since 2018, challenges to medication access and program success persist, leading to questions about diversity of medication available, distribution and delivery methods, prescription and diversion rates, staff training, stigma against MOUD, and continuity of care. As such, the Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) seeks to address these challenges to improve outcomes for incarcerated people. Thus, this report assesses the Vermont DOC’s MOUD program through three main methods: 1) synthesizing peer-reviewed research, 2) comparing case studies on other state-level MOUD programs, and 3) conducting expert interviews on clinical and correctional implementation dynamics. Based on these findings, the brief recommends actionable strategies to enhance program effectiveness, ensure continuity of care, and guide ongoing policy refinement.