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Course Summary

On July 2, 2018, the Rhode Island Department of Health made regulatory changes to the Rules and Regulations for Pain Management, Opioid Use, and the Registration of Distributors of Controlled Substances in Rhode Island [216-RICR-20-20-4]. These regulations require prescribers to:

1. Have a conversation with patients about the risks and benefits of taking an opioid prescription;
2. Indicate the diagnosis code(s) on a patient’s opioid prescription; and
3. Co-prescribe naloxone to patients who are at a higher risk for opioid overdose. (RI Department of Health, 2018)

This course offers information about the prescription drug abuse crisis, alternatives to opioids for managing and treating pain, best practices for prescribing controlled substances, and drug diversion and safeguards to prevent diversion.

Criteria for Successful Completion

Study the course material, achieve a score of 80% or higher on the post test (the post test can be repeated if a learner scores less that 80%), complete the course evaluation, and pay where required. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

To find specific accreditations or approvals, click here.

Course Objectives

When you finish this course you will be able to:

1. State 4 factors that have contributed to the opioid crisis.
2. Relate the three classes of most-abused prescription drugs.
3. Describe the difference between tolerance, dependence, and addiction.
4. State the 3 main guidelines Rhode Island providers must follow when prescribing controlled dangerous substances, including opioids in any schedule.
5. List 5 complementary alternatives to opioids for pain management.
6. Relate the 5 most common sources of illicit drugs.