Opioids and Other Controlled Substances: Minimizing the Risks in Prescribing, Dispensing and Administering

The opioid crisis is a national emergency. The rise in prescription opioid-related overdose deaths has increasingly led to liability and sanctions against those prescribing and dispensing the drugs. This crisis has increased focus on opioids by healthcare providers, law enforcement and the government. Physicians and other prescribing providers must carefully evaluate a patient's need for opioids and thoroughly document the reasoning for a prescription.

Proper documentation, prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances is the responsibility of the prescribing practitioner; the pharmacist has a corresponding liability. Practitioners and pharmacies who fail to meet the standards face malpractice claims, license suspensions, sanctions by state and federal authorities, and criminal charges under various federal and state laws. Healthcare attorneys must counsel clients on safeguards to minimize liability risks.

Listen as our authoritative panel examines legal challenges facing practitioners and pharmacists due to prescribing and dispensing opioids. The panel will offer guidance on steps to minimize the risks and review the current enforcement environment.

1. Legal challenges facing providers
   1. Regulatory environment
   2. Prescribing via telemedicine
   3. Electronic prescriptions/E-authentication
2. Steps to minimize risks of liability/risk management strategies
   1. Prescription drug monitoring
   2. Documentation
3. Enforcement
   1. Federal laws
   2. State laws
   3. State licensing authorities

The panel will review these and other key issues:

• What safeguards should physicians and other prescribing providers put in place in their prescription practice to minimize opioid-related liability risks?
• How is the current enforcement environment impacting prescribing practices?
• Does prescribing opioids using telemedicine create legal risks for healthcare providers?