MAHEC #77265 Open

Concurrent Benzodiazepines and Opioids: Risks, Harm Reduction, and Best Practices for Prescribers

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Concurrent Benzodiazepines and Opioids: Risks, Harm Reduction, and Best Practices for Prescribers

Location

Online Course
MAHEC
Asheville, NC 28803

Dates & Times

Jan 2, 2026 1:00 AM – Jan 2, 2027 1:00 AM

Contact

Do you have event related questions or need help with registration?

In this 1-hour course, Carriedelle Fusco, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, discusses optimal care for patients concurrently prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines.

This includes an analysis of additional risks posed by concurrent use and how they can be mitigated, identifying whether a patient is already prescribed a benzo or opioid, and considerations for providers planning to co-prescribe these medications. She provides advice on best practice and available resources for prescribers, including protocols for tapering a patient off of a benzodiazepine or opioid.

Upon completion, attendees will be equipped to approach these complex cases from a harm-reductionist standpoint to minimize adverse outcomes.

Approximate time to complete the course: 1 hour
Learner content includes: video and corresponding course handouts
Participants have unlimited time to complete this course and access course materials


By registering for this program, you grant permission for your contact information to be shared with Partners Health Management, a joint provider of this continuing education activity.

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.


Jointly Provided By:


Partners

Audience

Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Medical Assistants, Care Managers, Care Coordinators, and Mental Health Professionals (including Substance Abuse Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists), and other professionals interested in this subject

Objectives

check Describe potential drug interactions and increased risk of overdose associated with concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use
check Recognize strategies for safer tapering of opioids and benzodiazepines, including monitoring patient response, and coordinating care to reduce harm
check Discuss the importance of evaluating current medications and the importance of utilizing the NC Controlled Substances Reporting System (NCCSRS) or similar tools, before initiating controlled substances including opioids or benzodiazepines
check Utilize patient-centered communication to discuss risks, explore safer alternatives, and collaboratively develop treatment plans that prioritize safety and mitigation of risk

Fees

Cancellation Policy

Registration Fee

$25.00

Available Credits

CEU .100

The Mountain Area Health Education Center designates this entire online continuing education activity as meeting the criteria for 0.10 CEUs as established by the National Task Force on the Continuing Education Unit.

Contact Hours 1.000

Nurse Practitioners: This activity was designated for 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

MAHEC designates this online continuing education activity as meeting the criteria for 1.00 Contact Hour.

NASW-NC 1.000

NC AHEC is a 2026 NASW-NC approved provider of distance continuing education. This program has been approved for 1.00 contact hours.

CME for Physician Assistants 1.000

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 1.00 hours of Category 1 credit for completing this program.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit TM 1.000

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Southern States CME Collaborative (SSCC) through the joint providership of Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) and Partners Health Management. MAHEC is accredited by the SSCC to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation: MAHEC designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Speakers

Carriedelle H. Fusco, RN, MSN, FNP-BC

Sessions

Concurrent Benzodiazepines and Opioids: Risks, Harm Reduction, and Best Practices for Prescribers

1/2 1:00 AM – 1:00 AM

Additional Resources

Cancellation Policy

MAHEC has a pay-up-front policy for all CE programs. The only exceptions will be for pre-approved programs where an individual payment plan is appropriate. Registrations received without accompanying payment will not be processed and participants who have not paid the course fee will not be admitted into the program.

Unless otherwise noted in course materials, the following cancellation policy applies to all programs:

  • Cancellations must be in writing (fax, email, or mail).
  • Cancellations received more than two weeks prior to the event will receive 100% refund.
  • Cancellations received between two weeks and five full business days prior to the first day of the event are refunded at 70% of the registration fee subject to a minimum $25 cancellation fee.
  • No refunds or credits will be given for cancellations received less than five full business days prior to the event.
  • No vouchers will be issued in lieu of a refund.
  • Transfers/substitute(s) are welcome (please notify us in advance of the program).
Ready to continue your professional development? Register
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