Beyond Opioids: A Modern Guide to Controlled Substance Prescribing

At the completion of this activity, healthcare providers will be able to:

1. ¿Describe the evolving role and clinical relevance of non-opioid controlled substances in patient care.
2. ¿Differentiate among Schedule II-V medication classes based on pharmacologic properties, indications, and risks.
3. ¿Assess individual patient risk for controlled substance misuse or complications using screening tools and clinical judgment.
4. ¿Interpret prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data and urine drug screening results to inform safe prescribing practices.
5. ¿Apply the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model in conversations about controlled substance use.
6. ¿Evaluate potential drug interactions, contraindications, and concerns related to polypharmacy involving controlled substances.
7. ¿Select appropriate prescribing or deprescribing strategies based on patient scenarios and interprofessional input.
8. ¿Integrate collaborative care models, including pharmacist and behavioral health perspectives, into treatment planning.
9. ¿Implement risk mitigation strategies such as patient-provider agreements, structured monitoring plans, and defensible documentation.