Adaptations to Indiana's 21st Century Cures–funded recovery coaching initiative in the wake of COVID-19

Abstract

This brief commentary discusses how provider organizations from Indiana's Recovery Coach and Peer Support Initiative (RCPSI) adapted their practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. The RCPSI, which is funded through the 21st Century Cures Act, placed peer recovery coaches (PRCs) in emergency departments (EDs) to link opioid overdose patients to medication for opioid use disorder. This commentary discusses how COVID-19 restrictions increased use of telehealth to replace in-person PRC contacts with patients, affected the timing of initial PRC contacts with patients, and led to allowances for Medicaid billing of recovery coach support sessions conducted via telehealth. Future research should further determine the effects of these changes on PRC services in the ED.