SAMHSA defines Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) as the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies for the treatment of substance use disorders. A combination of medication and behavioral therapies is effective in the treatment of substance use disorders and can help some people to sustain recovery. This definition and other MAT guidelines can be found at the SAMHSA website.

Only providers who have met the requirements of Section 201.500 may prescribe medication required for the treatment of Opioid or Alcohol Use Disorder for Arkansas Medicaid beneficiaries in conjunction with coordinating all follow-up and referrals for counseling and other services. This program applies only to prescribers of FDA-approved drugs for treatment of Opioid or Alcohol Use Disorder and will not be reimbursed for the practice of pain management.