Prescribing Controlled Substances: What You and Your Patients Need to Know

Course overview

This course reviews prescribing controlled substances, its history, and the transition of prescribing practices since the identification of the opioid epidemic. Course participants will learn definitions of related terms and drug schedule classes. The course reviews legal aspects for the prescriber of controlled substances, including electronic processing and recommended documentation. Additionally, the course provides an in-depth look at pain management related to acute pain, chronic pain, and substance use disorder. The course outlines treatment plans with suggested evidence-based practices, including alternatives to opioids to avoid substance use disorder and overdose. The course highlights patient education points to ensure patient safety with high-risk substances. Finally, the course reviews prescriber responsibility related to implicit bias and individual practices with related impact on patient safety and pain control.