Yes. Injectable buprenorphine (most common), sublingual buprenorphine (occasionally). The DOC also offers oral, long-acting injectable, and intranasal naloxone.
No. Currently, the plan is to continue providing this service as it is provided now.
Previously, oral forms of MOUD posed a risk of diversion, meaning it could be concealed during administration and redistributed to others. This is why we have been moving to the injectable version of buprenorphine; however, the cost of this version can be an issue.
Iowa utilizes SAMHSA Substance Use Block Grant and State Opioid Response funds to support MOUD for individuals’ post-incarceration, in addition to a Corrections Liaison program that assists in connecting individuals to services after release.
According to the DOC, medication costs are an ongoing concern. Access to services in the transition between corrections and living independently in the community is a challenge in many states.
MOUD is available in all state-run prisons.
Sublocade (the injectable formulation) is preferred at this time in correctional settings due to concerns with diversion. For non-incarcerated individuals, there are more MOUD options.