Specific guidance for the treatment of OUD in correctional settings is outside the scope of this guideline. However, health care providers should be aware of the importance of maintaining care for patients who transition in and out of correctional settings. The following general principles should guide care for people transitioning in or out of correctional settings:

• Addiction care provision in correctional settings should adhere to the principle of community equivalence.
• For individuals who are engaged in OAT in the community at the time of entry into the correctional system, OAT must be continued without interruption or delay once incarceration begins.
• Correctional health services should establish a plan to ensure continued care in the community prior to the release of an individual receiving treatment for OUD while incarcerated.
• Prison-based care programs should collaborate with community-based services and provide individuals about to re-enter the community with referrals for continued treatment and support.