OVERVIEW

Prescription Drug Diversion Clinical Management and Protection is organized by Pacific University.

Expiration Date: June 29, 2023

Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to inform and educate the optometric practitioner on strategies to identify drug-seeking behavior within clinical practice. The goal is to help prevent the diversion of prescription drugs into the illicit market, while at the same time ensuring that controlled substances continue to be available for legitimate medical purposes. Currently, the misuse of prescription medications, including prescription pain relievers, central nervous system stimulants, and depressants, is a serious crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. Even as our awareness of the problem grows, illicit prescription drug use continues to devastate communities and families, affecting people from all walks of life, all age groups, and all socio-economic backgrounds. This presentation will also provide participants with vital information on the scope of this national epidemic, the national laws governing controlled substances, and the privacy issues of reporting suspected diversion. Finally, will discuss how optometry can work, in partnership, to reduce the risk of prescription drug abuse and addiction.

Learning Objectives:
• What are the laws regarding drug diversion
• What is drug diversion and why should it matter to optometrists
• What is a provider’s role in preventing drug diversion
• What are the strategies for prevention, detection, and response
• HIPAA and Privacy Issues
• Reporting requirements