Additional Education for Illinois Doctors Combating Opioid Addiction
The Illinois Controlled Substance Act was amended on Monday, August 27, 2018, increasing the required continuing medical education requirements to include three additional hours of education about safety when prescribing opioids. The new law mandating Illinois physicians and those who must maintain their CME hour requirements.
The opioid crisis in Illinois and nationwide has been concerning to doctors, some who have been overwhelmed by an increase in patients seeking pain medications as federal taskforce takedowns of pill mill pain clinics cause those addicted to opioids, for example, to seek them from any possible source. An unfortunate result is the increase in theft and diversion of opioids that end up in a lucrative black market.
Governor Rauner Wants Increased Education on Spotting and Combating Opioid Addiction
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed Senate Bill 2777 to amend the Illinois Controlled Substance Act. In a press release about the new law, the governor said, “We’re fighting this opioid crisis every day. It’s impacted too many families here in Illinois. We’ve given people who struggle with substance use more opportunities to get the help they need. We’ve started a 24-hour Helpline where they an get connected to treatment options. There’s a standing order for using opioid reversing Naloxone. We’ve boosted reporting requirements to our Prescription Monitoring Program to halt ‘doctor shopping.[i]’”
The following Illinois-licensed medical professionals are now required to take three additional CME hours regarding safe opioid prescribing:
- Physicians;
- Podiatric Physicians;
- Advance Practice Registered Nurses;
- Physician Assistants;
- Dentists;
- Clinical Psychologists;
- Optometrists; and
- Veterinarians
Health Lawyer Michael V. Favia Comments on the New Law
Illinois health law and licensing lawyer, Michael V. Favia commented on the new law and recently stated, “This new and additional requirement for healthcare professionals should help them become more aware and able to spot potential opioid abuse and drug diversions, making them more cautious when prescribing opioids when they fully appreciate the consequences of opioid abuse and how healthcare professionals can be held ultimately responsible.” Favia said, “Helping spot and stop use that might turn into abuse can help reduce rates of addiction among patients.”
Michael V. Favia and his professional licensing and health law team at Michael V. Favia & Associates in Chicago are frequent thought leaders on issues of drug use and abuse and how Illinois-licensed physicians can be the best educated and prepared healthcare professionals to face challenges and help combat the opioid epidemic. To learn more about combating opioid addiction, please call Michael V. Favia & Associates by dialing (773) 631-4580.
[i] FoxIllinois.com, New law strengthens effort to combat opioid crisis. By Press Release, Monday, August 27, 2018
