CERTIFIED MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT (MAT) ADVOCATE (CMA)-1

The Basic Advocacy Training Session

The training for certification includes a variety of topics to give advocates a well-grounded understanding of MAT, research, regulations and laws that protect MAT patients and programs.

1. Medication Assisted Treatment  Basic clinical information about methadone and buprenorphine treatment.

2. Regulations and Accreditation The federal regulations will be explained:  What they are and how they relate to the state regulations? Accreditation and what an accreditation survey is, how it is done, and how advocates can be involved.

3. The Basics of Advocacy The different kinds of advocacy from “Hands On” Individual Advocacy (handling a grievavce), Networking, Systems Advocacy, Working with Policy Makers and Politicians.

4. Stigma and Prejudice Patients themselves are often the greatest spreaders of stigma through ignorance and myths. Stigma will only end when society is educated about the effectiveness and benefits of MAT from the bottom up. We need to start with patients who can become ambassadors for MAT but this will be most effective with the support of policy makers and regulating agencies. The Media also spreads misinformation and stigma about MAT. Advocates need to have basic skills to work with the Media and write an Editorial, Letter to the Editor LTE and a Press Release.

5. Advocate Certification What is certification and how it will professionalize those committed to MAT advocacy.  The Advocates Code of Ethics, the Goals of MAT Advocacy, and Advocate Certification.