This comprehensive course addresses the mandatory content for Physician Assistants and APRNs in Florida registered to prescribe Schedule II, III and/or IV controlled substances as allowed by Florida law, effective January 1, 2017.

This course is presented in six independent modules including 1). Introduction and Overview of Prescribing; 2). Brief Overview of Controlled Substances (Opiates, Sedative-Hypnotics, and Stimulants); 3). What You Should Know Before Prescribing Controlled Substances; 4). Recognizing Potential Substance Abuse Issues; 5). Legal Requirements for Prescribing in Florida; and finally 6). Treatment and Prescribing Practices to Keep You Safe

There are also seven specific reference materials you are expected to download and review from the materials tab. Be sure to pay special attention to the article titled FMA House Bill 21 Summary as it addresses Florida's New Law on Controlled Substance Prescribing.

Upon completing this course and reviewing the resources, participants should be able to:

• Explain why the issue of prescribing issue is so important and illustrate best practices
• Identify the extent of problems that may be encountered in prescribing controlled substances
• Describe the Schedules of Controlled Substances as set forth by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)
• Identify the appropriate uses for opiates, sedative-hypnotics, and stimulants
• Describe the effects of these controlled substances
• Clarify the benefits and risks of these controlled substances
• Describe what needs to be included in an initial clinical work-up
• Identify substance abuse screening tools that you can use in your practice
• Illuminate where to find substance abuse treatment resources in your area
• Identify the criteria for substance use disorders
• Describe examples of aberrant behavior
• Emphasize the need to do urine drug testing
• Highlight the legal requirements for prescribing controlled substances in your practice
• Highlight the standards of practice for nurse practitioners and physician assistants required under Florida law
• Describe different prescribing practices that will help keep you out of trouble while prescribing controlled substances
• Identify why a PPA (Patient-Prescriber Agreement) is important

Disclosure Information:

The planners of this course have nothing to disclose.

The faculty for this course, Dr. Martha Brown, has nothing to disclose.

Instructions for earning credit: Learner must view/listen to the course in its entirety (1.5 hours), review the supplied supporting materials (1 hour), and complete the required assessment and evaluation questions provided at the end of the activity (.5 hour). 

Estimated completion time: Three (3) hours

Released: October 2016

Expires: October 31, 2019