What type of physician is required to qualify for a DATA waiver?

A qualifying physician who is board certified is correct in the context of obtaining a DATA waiver. The Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) of 2000 allows certain qualified practitioners to prescribe medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). In order to qualify for a DATA waiver, the practitioner must meet specific criteria, which include being a licensed physician and showing that they are qualified in either addiction medicine or relevant clinical practice.

Board certification demonstrates that the physician has completed the necessary training and assessment in their specialty, making them knowledgeable about addiction issues and treatments, particularly in managing patients with substance use disorders. This certification assures that the physician has met established criteria for education and practice in addiction treatment.

While specific addiction treatment training might enhance a physician's ability to treat OUD, it is not a strict requirement for qualifying for the DATA waiver. Experience in addiction is valuable but does not necessarily fulfill the educational and clinical qualifications necessary to obtain the waiver. Therefore, the emphasis on board certification in the correct answer aligns with the federal requirements to ensure that practitioners are equipped to manage the complexities of addiction treatment.