Meyerson named to national commission focused on reshaping Methadone policy and practice
Beth Meyerson, PhD, director of the Harm Reduction Research Lab, policy director for the Comprehensive Center for Pain and Addiction, and the Beverly Benson McCord Endowed Chair at the College of Nursing, was recently appointed to the National Methadone Access and Quality Commission (NMAQC) by the Yale Program in Addiction Medicine and the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE). Launched in January 2026 and funded with over $900,000 from FORE, the commission brings together national experts to consider all aspects of systems and treatment evolution, with a focus on improving the quality of and access to methadone treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). Over the next three years, members will develop policy and practice recommendations to improve methadone treatment outcomes nationwide.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), only 25% of individuals who need treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) receive it. Meyerson’s forthcoming national study suggests the gap is even wider among older adults, with only 13% of those age 65 and older able to access care. Methadone, particularly effective for treating fentanyl-related addiction, has been used safely for decades, yet access remains constrained by stigma, complex dispensing regulations, and inconsistent monitoring requirements that vary across communities. The NMAQC aims to reduce these barriers while upholding rigorous standards for patient safety and quality of care.
“Dr. Meyerson’s appointment reflects the rigor, relevance, and national reach of her research. Her scholarship demonstrates how nursing science drives meaningful change in complex public health challenges, and this recognition affirms the college’s commitment to research that informs policy and improves lives,” said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing.
“For our PhD students especially, Dr. Meyerson models how rigorous research can influence national policy," said Juyoung Park, PhD, interim nursing and health science division chair and PhD program director. “Her involvement on this commission enhances our training mission and inspires students to pursue scholarship that advances both science and social impact.”
The commission will examine key issues related to methadone access and quality, with a focus on improving patient experience and treatment outcomes. Areas of emphasis include patients’ experiences with methadone treatment, regulatory and policy barriers to access, and opportunities to strengthen clinical practice standards. Members will also evaluate financing and reimbursement models, explore innovations in treatment delivery, and assess broader public health impacts.
As a member of the commission, Meyerson joins a national group of leading experts in addiction medicine, public health, health care delivery, and policy, along with individuals with lived experience of methadone treatment for OUD. Together, the commissioners will inform clinical and regulatory recommendations and work to increase public understanding of methadone as a safe and effective treatment.
“It is an honor to collaborate with colleagues nationwide who are committed to improving access to effective treatment for opioid use disorder,” said Meyerson. “This work will advance thoughtful policy change and strengthen care for individuals and families affected by OUD.”
Meyerson’s work focuses on harm-reduction research, policy development, and expanding access to care for people who use drugs. Through her leadership on the commission, she elevates nursing’s voice in national policy conversations and demonstrates how the profession advances evidence-informed solutions to the opioid crisis.