About the Course:

Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) have a responsibility to understand the appropriate use of opioid medications, including the risks inherent to this category of therapeutic products. Many APNs are likely to encounter patients in severe pain requiring treatment with opioid pain medications across multiple practice settings. It is critical that they are well versed in the federal and state laws governing the prescribing of these products. A thorough understanding of pain management, opioids, their use, misuse, and potential solutions to this public health issue will greatly contribute to improved patient health and quality of life.  The Alaska State legislation requires prescribers registered with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to complete at least two hours of continuing education in pain management, opioid use, and addiction. In addition, the Alaska State Medical Board has similar requirements for license renewals (Alaska Department of Health and Social Services [ADHSS], 2019). This course is specifically designed to meet these requirements for Alaska APNs. The course provides an overview of the proper clinical use of opioids to help APNs understand and appreciate how differing clinical use guidelines should be safely and effectively applied to various practice settings and populations. 

Learning Outcomes: 
Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

• Describe the category of drugs governed by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970.
• Explain a scenario where an opioid medication may be the best first-line therapeutic choice.
• Characterize alternative treatments that should be considered before prescribing opioid medications.
• Identify one objective tool that can be used to assess the use of opioids.
• Name a category of medications that should be avoided, if possible, in patients receiving opioid medications.
• Discuss instances where the use of opioids in palliative care may be appropriate.
• Understand the extent of opioid medication misuse in the United States.
• Appreciate the use of an assessment instrument to estimate the risk of opioid misuse.
• Explain, in general terms, how naloxone can be effective at countering opioid overdosage.

About the Author:  
Bradley Gillespie, PharmD, trained as a clinical pharmacist and has practiced in an industrial setting for the past 25+ years. His initial role was as a clinical pharmacology and biopharmaceutics reviewer at the FDA, followed by 20 years of leading Early Development programs in the pharma/biotech/nutritional industries. In addition to his industrial focus, he remains a registered pharmacist and enjoys mentoring drug development scientists and health professionals, leading workshops, and developing continuing education programs for pharmacy, nursing, and other medical professionals.

How to receive credit:

• Read the entire course online or in print which requires a 2-hour commitment of time.
• Complete the self-assessment quiz questions which are at the end of the course or integrated throughout the course. These questions are NOT GRADED. The correct answer is shown after you answer the question. If the incorrect answer is selected, the rationale for the correct answer is provided. These questions help to affirm what you have learned from the course.
• Depending on your state requirements you will then be asked to complete either:
  • An affirmation that you have completed the educational activity
  • A mandatory test (a passing score of 70 percent is required). Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
• If requested, provide required personal information and payment information.
• Complete the mandatory Course Evaluation
• Print your Certificate of Completion.

Disclosures:
Resolution of Conflict of Interest
In accordance with the ANCC Standards for Commercial Support for continuing education, Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition ©2020: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing, but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.

Course Verification
All individuals involved have disclosed that they have no significant financial or other conflicts of interest pertaining to this course. Likewise, and in compliance with California Assembly Bill No. 241, every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the content in this course is balanced and unbiased.