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About OST protocol

OST is a clinical treatment for opioid dependency using methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone). GPs who wish to provide OST must complete training through the Irish College of GPs and obtain a contract from the HSE.

There are two levels of OST GP prescribers:

  • Level 1 Prescriber – Treats stabilised patients referred from HSE clinics or Level 2 GPs
  • Level 2 Prescriber – Manages full treatment, including assessment, initiation, stabilisation, and detox

Become a Level 1 OST Prescriber

Any GP wishing to provide OST must complete the required training and apply for a HSE contract.

Step 1 – Complete the Irish College of GPs online course

Step 2 – Apply for a HSE Contract

Submit your application to your local HSE Addiction Services Manager, including:

  • A copy of your Foundation Course certificate
  • Evidence of registration on the GP Specialist Register
    Once your contract is signed, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3 – Contact Your Local GP Coordinator
Reach out to your local GP Coordinator to begin the process of accepting patients for OST treatment.

Requirements to Become a Level 1 Prescriber

Step 1 - Online Training: Foundation Course in Addiction

Step 2 - Apply to your local HSE Addiction Services Manager for a contract

This application should include: 

  • A copy of your Level 1 Certificate
  • Evidence of your registration on the GP Specialist Register
  • Once contract is signed go to step 3.

Download list of HSE Addiction Services Managers

Download list of  GP Coordinators

Step 3 - Contact your local GP Coordinator

Contact your local GP Co-ordinator to start the process of taking on patients.

Please be aware that an annual audit is a contractual obligation.

Become a Level 2 OST prescriber

A Level 2 GP is trained to:

  • Conduct comprehensive assessments
  • Initiate OST treatment
  • Stabilise and maintain patients
  • Manage detoxification in primary care

Inter-GP referral between Level 1 and Level 2 prescribers is encouraged to ensure continuity of care.

Requirements to Become a Level 2 Prescriber

To progress to Level 2, a GP must:

  1. Be an active Level 1 prescriber
  2. Complete the Certificate in Addiction Management in Primary Care
  3. Agree to complete five supervised inductions of OST treatment under a mentor

Note: GPs working in HSE addiction clinics or prison settings are also eligible for Level 2 accreditation upon completing the above steps.