Statement of Need
Alabama faces a crisis of deaths from opioids, stimulants, synthetic agents, tobacco, and alcohol. These deaths represent a mere fraction of the total number of Americans harmed by substance misuse. The long-term effects of substance misuse impact individuals, families, and communities. The changing patterns of substance misuse, as well as an increasing incidence of polysubstance use further compounds the problem. The rise in fentanyl use or exposure, concurrent substance misuse, as well as overdose deaths, necessitates consideration of educational elements that promote a better understanding of SUDs, as well as the identification, treatment, and management of substance use disorders. Section 1262 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023, otherwise known as the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act, removes the federal requirement for practitioners to submit a Notice of Intent (have a waiver) to prescribe medications, like buprenorphine, for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). All practitioners who have a current DEA registration that includes Schedule III authority, may now prescribe buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder in their practice if permitted by applicable state law.

Section 1263 of the ‘Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023’ requires new or renewing Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registrants, starting June 27, 2023, to have completed a total of at least 8 hours of training on opioid or other substance use disorders, as well as the safe pharmacological management of dental pain. This activity will not only review the new rules, but also focus on strategies to implement them so as to provide higher quality of care.

Who Should Attend Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and dentists who have a DEA registration and prescribe.

Objectives
After attending this course, participants will be able to:
Discuss the use of validated screening tools for SUD (SBIRT) and risk factors for substance use, including mental disorders.
Identify best practices of managing patients on opioid analgesics, including tapering off the medication when the benefits of opioids no longer outweigh the risks.
Explain the impact of stigma, trauma, and the social determinants of health on substance use and recovery.
Review the process of diagnosis and assessment of individuals who screen positive for SUDs
Discuss the importance of patient and family education on safety and overdose prevention (diversion control; safe storage; use of naloxone).