The U.S. Department of Justice has determined that courts that prohibit individuals from taking prescribed medication for their opioid use disorder are in violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The DOJ investigation examined instances in which Pennsylvania judges enacted policies that stopped or limited people’s use of medication that help to curb opioid dependence, such as methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone. The investigation concluded that the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System was in violation of the Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act.