Opioid Issues Update
MHS Opioid Stewardship Collaborative

The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) is active in several collaborative efforts to combat opioid abuse and represent healthcare providers on issues of patient care. In January of 2018 a group was formed to represent prescribers on the legislative bills signed into law regarding the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS). The MHS Opioid Stewardship Collaborative is comprised of 16 organizations working to combat opioid abuse and maintain access to care for their patients. 

The MHS Opioid Stewardship Collaborative includes the following groups:
Michigan Academy of Family Physicians
Michigan Academy of Physician Assistants
Michigan Association of Health Plans
Michigan Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics
Michigan College of Emergency Physicians
Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners
Michigan Dental Association
Michigan Health & Hospital Association
Michigan Pharmacists Association
Michigan Psychiatric Society
Michigan Osteopathic Association
Michigan State Medical Society
Michigan Society of Addiction Medicine
Michigan Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
Michigan Veterinary Medical Association
Michigan Primary Care Association

The Stewardship has worked closely with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to clarify the regulations passed in early 2018. LARA has been receptive to feedback regarding modifications to the new laws, some of which lack practical application in specific settings.

LARA has issued a number of FAQ documents to help clarify the new rules and the MHS Opioid Stewardship Collaborative is providing the language and practical examples to revise the FAQ so healthcare providers can provide quality patient care while still working to limit access to opioids and prevent the abuse of prescription drugs.

The MOA will continue to work with the stewardship and invites questions and comments regarding MAPS and legislative efforts on behalf of healthcare providers. 

Links:
MOA Autumn Scientific Convention
Pain & Symptom Management
3.0 credits, meets Michigan LARA requirement

Sunday, Nov. 18
AGENDA
7:30 am David Best, DO, MS, ABAM
8:30 am Harm Reduction: Pam Lynch, Social Worker
9:30 am William Morrone, DO, MS, FACOFP, DAAPM, ASAM
10:30-11:30 am Panel Discussion

SAMSA: September is National Recovery Month

Every September, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sponsors National Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people who are in recovery.

This year's theme is   Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home, Purpose, and Community.
 
In its the 29th year, National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life.  
 
To learn more and access patient-ready materials, visit the links below.

Be Rx SAFE Campaign 

On May 23, the Michigan Osteopathic Association joined Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, the Michigan State Medical Society and the Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network to announce the creation of the Be Rx SAFE campaign, an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and overuse and to encourage prescribers and patients to do their part in addressing the opioid crisis. A major component of the campaign is to safely store and dispose of prescription drugs, especially opioids.

On Wednesday, October 24, from 12 - 1pm, the Be Rx Safe coalition will host a Twitter chat to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic, existing resources, and highlight the DEA's Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 27, 2018. The event will combine the social media followers of all the participating groups and the pre-event promotion will be used to draw attention to the campaign.

The Drug Take Back Day is a bi-annual event that highlights resources for safe disposal and raises awareness on preventing drug abuse and misuse. Last year's Drug Take Back Day involved over 5,000 collection sites, collecting over 450 tons of unwanted medication.

DEA Drug Take Back Day

Buprenorphine Waiver Training 
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network FREE Course

This American Society of Addiction Medicine course, Treatment
of Opioid Use Disorder, qualifies you for a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine. It covers all medications and treatments for opioid use disorder.
Credits: 8 CME

October 12, 2018 - 8 am to 12:30 pm
Register by October 7th

In-person location: Lyon Meadows Metro Service Center
53200 Grand River Ave., New Hudson, MI 48165
Live Stream Sites:
Lansing - Blue Cross and BCN Lansing Capitol Building, 232 S. Capitol Ave., Conference Room B, Lansing
Grand Rapids - Postma Center at Pine Rest, 300 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids
Marquette - Blue Cross/BCN Marquette Service Center, 415 S. McClellan Ave., Marquette
Traverse City - Blue Cross/BCN Traverse City Service Center, 202 E. State St., Traverse City

Course information
  • Format (Four hours online / Four hours live)
  • Self-paced online learning covers essential content knowledge
  • Live learning focuses on clinical application of the content

Learning objectives

  • Be able to apply for a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine to patients with opioid use disorders
  • Identify and assess patients for opioid use disorders
  • Understand medications and treatments available to manage addictions
  • Discuss psychiatric and medical comorbidities associated with opioid addiction
Link:
U.S. Senate passes bipartisan package to combat opioid epidemic

Senators voted 99-1 for a bipartisan package that would combat the opioid crisis on multiple fronts, including new steps to stop prescription painkillers from flowing into the U.S. illegally.  The package also includes steps to allow Americans addicted to opioids better access to treatment and prevention programs.
 
Michigan Osteopathic Association | 800.657.1556 | www.domoa.org
STAY CONNECTED: