Chronic Opioid Therapy Tapering
Available through Aug 30, 2023 Open Medicine

Description
AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY!
Given the gap in tapering techniques currently in practice, participants will learn the most effective ways to titrate and/or discontinue opioid dosages for patients being treated for chronic pain. Participants will use these evidence-based practices to identify, reduce, and prevent substance use disorders. Further, this program will discuss how to wean patients experiencing chronic pain who are on chronic opioid therapy to safe levels or to non-pharmacologic therapy when possible. The program will summarize the best practices of tapering opioids by reviewing evidence-based methods for initiating, evaluating, and titrating opioid dosages and/or discounting opioids for individuals with chronic pain. The program will also review alternative strategies for chronic pain. Participants will learn why and how to treat pain with less or no opioids when possible to help to reduce overdoses and deaths associated with opioids. This course will explore Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT).
Approximate time to complete the course: One hour
Learner content includes: PowerPoint, Required and Supplemental Optional Reading and Posttest
Participants will have 45 days from the date of their registration to complete this course. After that date, course materials will no longer be accessible.
This program was designed to satisfy, in part, the North Carolina Medical Board's CME requirement for controlled substance prescribers. Per NCAC rules: As of July 1, 2017 all physicians (other than residents), physician assistants, nurse practitioners, podiatrists, and dentists who prescribe controlled substances must satisfy the controlled-substance prescribing CE requirements as set forth by their licensing boards; requirements vary by discipline and board.
MAHEC engages in evaluation activities to better understand the impact of our programs. By registering for this course, you agree that we may use your personal information in evaluative research regarding this program. Any reports published will be de-identified and reported in aggregate format.
Target Audience
The program is recommended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and podiatrists.
Objectives
- Define and summarize the impact of the opioid crisis
- Recall and demonstrate best practices for opioid tapering and discontinuation
- Articulate the risks and benefits of tapering opioids for patients with chronic pain and be able to integrate the knowledge into practice
- Differentiate multiple strategies for coping with chronic pain
Faculty
- Carriedelle H. Fusco, RN, MSN, FNP-BC
Sessions
Chronic Opioid Therapy Tapering
8/30 8:00 AM–8:00 AM
Credits
.100 CEU
The Mountain Area Health Education Center designates this entire online continuing education activity as meeting the criteria for .1 CEUs as established by the National Task Force on the Continuing Education Unit.
1.000 Contact Hours
Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioners: This activity was designated for 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.
1.000 Contact Hours
MAHEC designates this online continuing education activity as meeting the criteria for 1.0 contact hours.
1.000 CME for Physician Assistants
Physician Assistants: AAPA accepts certificate of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician Assistants may receive a maximum of 1 hour of Category 1 credit for completing this program.
1.000 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit TM
Accreditation: MAHEC is accredited by the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Credit Designation: MAHEC designates this online enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.