Florida dentists skip mandatory opioid course: 5 notes

An estimated quarter of dentists and other healthcare providers in Florida reportedly failed to complete a mandatory two-hour opioid prescription training course, according WPEC, an CBS affiliate.

Five notes:

1. While the Florida Department of Health does not have the exact number of dentists who skipped the training, it estimates 25.8 percent of healthcare providers have not completed the course.

2. The health department is now sending out a non-compliance letter to the dentists and healthcare providers who did not complete the training. They will have 15 days to take the course or will face disciplinary action.

3. After new legislation passed, physicians, podiatrists, dentists, physicians assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners became obligated to take opioid prescription training. Previously, only physicians and advanced registered nurse practitioners were required to take the continuing education course.

4. The two-hour course goes over standards for prescribing controlled substances, specially opioids, as well as alternative options. Participates also learn about nonpharmacological therapies, prescribing emergency opioid antagonists and the risks of opioid addition.

5. Throughout the year, Florida health officials sent out 13 emails to healthcare providers about the course, including nine emails in December 2018 and January.

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