The epidemic of overdoses and deaths from the abuse of prescription opioids has devastated countless families and communities. Preventing individuals from abusing and becoming dependent on opioids will save lives, preserve the health and vibrancy of communities. To combat the opioid crisis, AAPA provides several CMEs promoting the appropriate, safe, and effective use of opioids to manage chronic pain which affects many Americans.   

At present there are too few addiction specialists to meet the growing demand for medication assisted treatment (MAT) programs.  Since 2016, the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act (CARA) permits PAs to become waivered to prescribe buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid addiction.   AAPA is an approved provider by CSAT/SAMHSA DATA 2000 training. Training of PAs in primary care in prescribing and managing patients on one of the drugs used in MAT will increase the availability of providers in the care of patients with an opioid use disorder.

The use of opioids for the treatment of chronic pain has increased substantially during the past decade. Despite their therapeutic benefits, however, opioids are also associated with important adverse effects, such as physical dependence, sedation, and respiratory depression. Also of pivotal concern are adverse gastrointestinal effects, the most common being opioid-induced constipation (OIC). Learn more about OIC and earn free CME with eCase Challenge: Strategies to Address Opioid-Induced Constipation

These CME activities are designed to provide enhanced PA education and safer prescription practices to effectively tackle the rise in opioid abuse.

• PAIN COACH—Pain Assessments and INterventions to Consider in Older Adult Care for Healthcare Providers
  (AAPA)
• eCase Challenge: Strategies to Address Opioid-Induced Constipation (AAPA)
• Extending the Practice Environment for Treating Patients with Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorder (AAPA)
• 24-Hour Waiver Training: AAPA (American Society of Addiction Medicine/AAPA)
• CDC’s Guideline for Prescribing Opioids: Online Training Series for Healthcare Providers (CDC)
• Pathways to Safer Opioid Use (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)
• Building Pathways in Pain Management: Osteoarthritis and Chronic Low Back Pain Qstream Education
  As the population ages and the prevalence of osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain rise, clinicians find themselves struggling to manage pain and restore function. Through this education, you’ll learn how to better treat your patients with these conditions. Qstream’s spaced education is a delivery method that sends you a question every few days related to the topic. Answer a question and review rationale and references related to the correct answer. You must sign up for an account to complete this education.

• September | Pain Awareness Month

• September 17-23 | Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week