Board Approves Opioid Prescribing Emergency Rules

October 24, 2016 10:16 AM | Deleted user

October 24, Wisconsin Health News - The Medical Examining Board has approved emergency rules that require doctors who prescribe narcotics to complete biennial training relating to the board's opioid guidelines. 

Under the rule approved last week, doctors who renew their licenses in 2017 or 2018 will have to complete an educational course or program relating to the guidelines for at least two of their 30 hours of required continuing medical education. Those who renew in 2019 or 2020 will also have to complete at least two hours. 

The rule doesn't apply to physicians who lack a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration number to prescribe controlled substances. The rules could go into effect as early as next month, according to the board's newsletter. The board plans to hold a public hearing next month regarding telemedicine rules.