West Virginia law requires pharmacists to complete three (3) hours of continuing education relating to “prescription drug diversion, best practices for preventing, managing and monitoring inappropriate opioid utilization” every two years to maintain their license.
Such a course will be presented by Elizabeth J. Scharman, Pharm.D., at WVPA’s 110th Annual Convention, September 24, at the Charleston Marriott Hotel. Her presentation includes what compromises drug diversion, including West Virginia statistics on prescription drug abuse and resulting deaths.
She will state the epidemiology of chronic pain and misuse of opioids.
Elizabeth will describe the indicators for opioids in chronic pain treatment including general characteristics, toxicities and drug interactions.
She will outline patient evaluation and risk assessment and tools to access risk and monitor benefits, and explain the initiation and ongoing-management of chronic pain in patients treated with opioid-based therapies.
She will present a case study of a patient with chronic pain, and identify diversion and drug seeking behaviors and tactics.
Elizabeth will identify best practice methods for working with patients, prescribers and law enforcement concerning patients suspected of drug-seeking behavior and diversion.
She will conclude with examples of compliance with controlled substance laws, and identify registration with and use of WV Controlled Substances Monitoring Program established in West Virginia Code 60A-9-1.
Pharmacists can register for this course by contacting WVPA 304-344-5302.
