With more than 130 Americans dying from an opioid overdose every day, the U.S. Opioid Epidemic is a serious public health crisis with devastating consequences. At the same time, millions of people suffer from acute and chronic pain. Pharmacists and other health care providers are faced with the difficult task of relieving suffering while not increasing the risks associated with opioids. This course will consist of an exploration of everyday ethical dilemmas involving opioids and other controlled substances faced by dispensing pharmacists, including case examples, and practical tools to address common issues.

Upon successful completion of this knowledge-based CPE course, the participant should be able to:
1. Describe the major influences on opioid-related deaths in the US since the 1990s.
2. Define Corresponding Responsibility as it applies to the dispensing of controlled substances.
3. Discuss potential methods for reducing risk on the part of dispensers and prescribers when managing patients with pain.
4. Determine an appropriate course of action when presented with “red flags” while dispensing a controlled substance.
5. Communicate in an effective manner with patients and prescribers regarding the safe use of opioids.

Melissa Durham, PharmD, MACM, APh, BCACP
Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy
Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
USC School of Pharmacy
Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy

Melissa Durham has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. 

Course fee includes course, course materials, and CPE credit submission to CPE Monitor.
Course is non-refundable
Release Date: September 21, 2022
Planned Expiration Date: September 21, 2025 

RV2-6.24/EXP