In several states, deaths from opioid overdoses outnumber doctors who are able to provide buprenorphine, a drug that helps treat addiction, according to a new Avalere analysis.

Nationally, there’s an average of 1.6 opioid overdose deaths per provider certified to prescribe buprenorphine.

Why it matters: This is a case for expanding “scope of practice” laws — allowing more nurses and physicians’ assistants to prescribe buprenorphine to help get the epidemic under control — reports Axios’ Caitlin Owens.

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