Moderator: J. Kevin Massey, Health Administrator, Correct Care Solutions, Member, National Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit Advisory Board

CE Certified By: AMA,AAFP,ACPE,ADA,ANCC

This presentation will begin with a retrospective look at state and national directives and mandates governing physician behaviors, including use of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), opioid prescribing, continuing medical education (CME) and access to naloxone. Legislative efforts in these areas began in earnest in the 2013-2014 state legislative sessions, with mandates largely being enacted in the 2015-2016 session years. Prior to the mandates, however, physicians began to show progress on each measure.

The first question, therefore, is what effect have the mandates had on physician practices? The second issue is the fact that despite the new state policies, the number of people dying from opioid-related causes continues to increase. In addition, the factors that fueled the epidemic (Rx opioid supply and diversion) have begun to shift. That is, as opioid prescribing has decreased — in total prescriptions, dose and quantity — opioid-related mortality from heroin and illicit fentanyl has increased by staggering proportions. While the data is inconclusive as to a direct correlation (let alone causation) for this shift, the second question is what policy interventions, if any, can help address the shifting mortality dynamics? The third issue is the most intractable, yet perhaps the most important. Specifically, how do we — as physicians, payers, policymakers — help the millions suffering from chronic pain and/or a substance use disorder access affordable, comprehensive treatment? Without increased care, what are the likely implications for the opioid epidemic?

UPON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
- Identify the top state legislative and national policy trends that have occurred as a result of increased opioid-related mortality.
- Explain the results of those policies on physician practices and opioid-related mortality.
- Outline what policymakers must do now to reverse the nation’s opioid epidemic.