Overview of Legislation

Physicians

The Drug Abuse Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA 2000) specifies training is necessary for physicians to obtain a waiver to engage in office‐based treatment of opioid use disorders using drugs approved by the FDA on Schedules III, IV, and V. This course addresses those requirements using a curriculum approved by CSAT/SAMHSA and ASAM, who is one of the national organizations named in the DATA 2000 legislation as eligible to prepare and administer these courses.

Nurse Practitioners & Physician Assistants

On July 22, 2016, President Obama signed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) into law. CARA authorizes qualified NPs and PAs to become waivered to prescribe buprenorphine in office-based settings for patients with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) for a five-year period expiring in October 2021.    

To qualify, NPs and PAs must: 

• Be licensed under state law to prescribe schedule III, IV, or V medications for pain  
• Complete not less than 24 hours of appropriate education through a qualified provider
• Through other training or experience, demonstrate the ability to treat and manage OUD  
• If required by state law, be supervised or work in collaboration with a qualifying physician to prescribe medications for the treatment of OUD

HHS' announcement on November 16, 2016, enables NPs and PAs to immediately begin taking the 24 hours of required training. For the full HHS announcement, click here.

NPs and PAs can begin the training immediately by taking the 8-hour buprenorphine course ASAM currently offers or that other stakeholders offer (see below for more information). The remaining 16 hours will have to be completed with one training provider. ASAM is developing multiple 16-hour training course options and formats, including collaborations with:

• 24-Hour Buprenorphine Curriculum Collaborative with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
• Clinical Tools, Inc
• Provider's Clinical Support System for Medication-Assisted Treatment (PCSS-MAT)

Apply

• Fill out the Waiver Notification Form on SAMHSA’s website.
• Submit copies of your training certificate(s) to SAMHSA by email: infobuprenorphine@samhsa.hhs.gov or fax: 301.576.5237.

SAMHSA reviews waiver applications within 45 business days of receipt. If approved, you will receive a letter via email that confirms your waiver and includes your prescribing identification number.

Waiver applications are forwarded to the DEA. DEA regulations require your prescribing identification number to be included on all buprenorphine prescriptions for opioid dependency treatment, along with your regular DEA number.

If you have not received confirmation of receipt of your application, or if it has been more than 45 business days since submitting it, contact CSAT by email: infobuprenorphine@samhsa.hhs.gov or call 866.287.2728.

Please ensure that your state regulations allow you to prescribe buprenorphine and other medications to treat OUD before you apply for the waiver.  Some states may have overriding state legislation that will prevent NPs and PAs from prescribing these medications even if Federal law allows it.

Apply

• Fill out the Waiver Notification Form on SAMHSA’s website.
• Submit copies of your training certificate(s) to SAMHSA by email: infobuprenorphine@samhsa.hhs.gov or fax: 301.576.5237.

SAMHSA reviews waiver applications within 45 business days of receipt. If approved, you will receive a letter via email that confirms your waiver and includes your prescribing identification number.

Waiver applications are forwarded to the DEA. DEA regulations require your prescribing identification number to be included on all buprenorphine prescriptions for opioid dependency treatment, along with your regular DEA number.

If you have not received confirmation of receipt of your application, or if it has been more than 45 business days since submitting it, contact CSAT by email: infobuprenorphine@samhsa.hhs.gov or call 866.287.2728.

Qualify 

To qualify for a waiver to treat patients with Opioid Use Disorder, NPs and PAs must: 

• Be licensed under state law to prescribe schedule III, IV, or V medications for pain
• Complete no less than 24 hours of appropriate education through a qualified provider
• Through other training or experience, demonstrate the ability to treat and manage OUD
• If required by state law, supervision or working in collaboration with a qualifying physician to prescribe medications for the treatment of OUD may be required.

CME Information and Disclosure Listing

Date of Release: July 2015
Approved Through: July 2018

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The combined online enduring material and live activity will provide the required 8 hours needed to obtain the waiver to prescribe buprenorphine in office-based treatment of opioid use disorders.

This course has been designated as an approved CME Activity by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM). Physicians enrolled in the ABAM Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program can apply a maximum of 8 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ to the CME requirement for Part II: Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment.

In accordance with the disclosure policies of ASAM and the ACCME, the effort is made to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all educational activities. These policies include resolving all conflicts of interest between the CME Committee, Planning Committee and faculty, and commercial interests that might otherwise compromise the goal and educational integrity of this activity. All CME Committee, Planning Committee and faculty participating in the activity have disclosed all relevant financial relationships with commercial interests. The CME Committee has reviewed these disclosures and determined that the planning committee and faculty relationships are not inappropriate in the content of their respective presentations and are not inconsistent with the educational goals and integrity of the activity.

ASAM CME Committee

ASAM Buprenorphine Program Planning Committee

ASAM Buprenorphine Course Faculty

ASAM CME Committee Reviewers

Learners will be able to:

1. Apply for a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine to their patients with opioid use disorders
2. Identify and assess patients who are appropriate for treatment with medications
3. Have specific knowledge concerning the use of medications to manage patients with addiction involving opioid use
4. Discuss the psychiatric and medical co-morbidities associated with opioid addiction

1. Locate the box on the right that says “Module 1" and click “View Web Content On-Demand"
2. Locate the box on the right that says “Certificate code" and enter the code given upon completion of Module 1 Part 1
3. Continue to Module 1 Part 2 and Module 1 Part 3
4. Once you have completed the entire module, locate the box called “Module 1 Quiz" and choose “Take Quiz"
5. After you have completed Module 1 Quiz, continue to modules 2 and 3
6. You will be required to pass all 3 Module Quizzes with a grade of 70% or higher
7. Upon completion of both the 4 online hours and 4 live hours of the course, you will be able to claim CME Credit through the ASAM e-Learning Center

1. Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants who wish to obtain a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine in office based treatment of opioid use disorders.
2. Clinicians and health care team members working with physicians who prescribe buprenorphine in office based treatment of opioid use disorders.

The ASAM Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder Course has been made available in part by an unrestricted educational grant from Indivior Inc.

On Wednesday, October 24th, President Trump signed The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (HR6) into law. This webinar will provide an overview of the changes in the federal law that impact addiction medicine as a result of the passage of HR 6, The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. Panelists will explain how this new law expands and strengthens the addiction medicine workforce, standardizes the delivery of care, and covers addiction medicine in a way that expands patient access to coordinated, comprehensive care.

Dr. Corey Waller, Chair of ASAM's Legislative Advocacy Committee, and Dr. Shawn Ryan, Chair of ASAM's Payer Relations Committee will preview the forthcoming changes as a result of HR 6, and provided an opportunity for attendees to have their questions answered in a live forum. Learn how HR 6 impacts your practice, and ensure you are adequately prepared for these changes in the law by attending this webinar*.

*Note: This recorded webinar is made available free of charge to all ASAM Members. To view the webinar, log in to your ASAM e-Learning Center account. 

REVIEW COURSE ATTENDEES RECEIVE 25% OFF - Use the promo code located in your syllabus when checking out to take advantage of this special deal!

Looking to stay engaged and expand your ASAM Review Course experience? This six-webinar series will offer an additional, in-depth look at some of the most popular sessions from the ASAM Review Course in Addiction Medicine. 

Each webinar will be an hour long, with 30-45 minutes of lecture on the topic of the week and the rest saved for audience questions. Questions have been collected in advance from participants of the 2018 Review Course and all attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions during the live webinar!

All webinars will be recorded and available to watch for registrants unable to attend live. 

Additional Resources

Additional Board Exam Preparation resources and tools are also available.

ACCME Accreditation Statement

The American Society of Addiction Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement

The American Society of Addiction Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ABPM Maintenance of Certification (MOC)

The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) has approved this activity for a maximum of 6 LLSA credits towards ABPM MOC Part II requirements.

ABAM Transitional Maintenance of Certification (tMOC)

This course has been approved by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM). Physicians enrolled in the ABAM Transitional Maintenance of Certification Program (tMOC) can apply a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ for completing this course.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The ASAM CME Committee and Reviewers Disclosure Listing

  The ASAM Review Course Program Planning Committee Disclosure Listing

The ASAM Review Course Faculty Member Disclosure Listing

Overview

The ASAM Review Course in Addiction Medicine is widely recognized as the essential primer for physicians and clinicians preparing for a career in addiction medicine, as well as for primary care providers who wish to increase their skills in identifying and managing patients whose medical problems are caused or exacerbated by substance use disorders.

The course offers two and a half days of sessions which are mapped to the addiction medicine exam blueprint of topics for the exam and features an outstanding faculty. Over 600 professionals attend this popular course each time it is offered. ASAM’s Review Course has had a major impact on advancing a common base of scientific knowledge among physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, participants should be able to:

1. Demonstrate practical knowledge on the neurobiology of addiction and articulate its activity in terms useful in a clinical setting
2. Describe the effects of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in both tolerant and non-tolerant individuals
3. Describe the process for diagnosing addiction and differentiating the symptoms of addiction from those of other medical or psychiatric disorders
4. Explain the various pharmacologic and psychosocial treatments for addictive disorders and describe the factors that should be considered in selecting a treatment modality to match the needs of a specific patient
5. Describe the precipitants of relapse and current evidence-based practices to prevent and manage relapse

Additional Resources

Additional Board Exam Preparation resources and tools are also available.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The ASAM CME Committee and Reviewers Disclosure Listing

ACCME Accreditation Statement:

The American Society of Addiction Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for
Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement:

The American Society of Addiction Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 20.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

American Academy of Family Physicians: 

This Live activity, The 2018 ASAM Review Course in Addiction Medicine & Pre-Courses, with a beginning date of 07/25/2018, has been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 27.50 Prescribed credit(s) by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ABAM Transitional Maintenance of Certification Program (Tmoc)

This course has been approved by The American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM).  Physicians enrolled in the Transitional Maintenance of Certification (Tmoc) Program can apply a maximum of 20.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

American Psychological Association (APA)

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Continuing Medical Education (CME) has been approved for renewal of certification by the APA College of Professional Psychology. ASAM CME credits may be applied toward the APA’s “Certificate of Proficiency in the Treatment of Alcohol and Other Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders.”

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)

Non-physician participants will receive a certificate of attendance upon completion of the activity and an online evaluation confirming their participation. Participants should submit his/her certificate of attendance to their professional organization/institute.

CME Committee Members

• Catherine Friedman, MD, FASAM, Chair
• R. Jeffrey Goldsmith, MD, DLFAPA, DFASAM
• Adam J. Gordon, MD, MPH, FACP, DFASAM
• Zwaantje Hamming, FNP-C, CARN-AP
• Noel Ilogu, MD, MRCP, FASAM
• Herbert L. Malinoff, MD, FACP, DFASAM
• Edwin A. Salsitz, MD, DFASAM

Staff - Sandy Metcalfe; Arlene Deverman, MA, CAE, CFRE; Marcia Jackson, PhD

CME Committee, Program Planning Committee and Faculty Disclosure Information

In accordance with the disclosure policies of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the effort is made to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all educational activities. These polices include resolving all conflicts of interest between the CME Committee, planning committee and faculty, and commercial interests that might otherwise compromise the goal and educational integrity of this activity. All planning committee members and faculty participating in the activity have disclosed all relevant financial relationships with commercial interests. The ASAM CME Committee has reviewed these disclosures and determined that the planning committee and faculty relationships are not inappropriate in the context of their respective presentations and are not inconsistent with the educational goals and integrity of the activity.

ACCME Accreditation Statement

The American Society of Addiction Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement

The American Society of Addiction Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 20.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ABPM Maintenance of Certification (MOC)

The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) has approved this activity for a maximum of 20.5 LLSA credits towards ABPM MOC Part II requirements.

ABAM Transitional Maintenance of Certification (tMOC)

This course has been approved by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM). Physicians enrolled in the ABAM Transitional Maintenance of Certification Program (tMOC) can apply a maximum of 20.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ for completing this course.

Upon completion, participants should be able to:

1. Demonstrate practical knowledge on the neurobiology of addiction and articulate its activity in terms useful in a clinical setting.
2. Describe the effects of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in both tolerant and non-tolerant individuals.
3. Describe the process for diagnosing addiction and differentiating the symptoms of addiction from those of other medical or psychiatric disorders.
4. Explain the various pharmacologic and psychosocial treatments for addictive disorders and describe the factors that should be considered in selecting a treatment modality to match the needs of a specific patient.
5. Describe the precipitants of relapse and current evidence-based practices to prevent and manage relapse.

The ASAM Review Course in Addiction Medicine provides an up-to-date review of the core content of addiction medicine for:

• Physicians preparing for the ABPM Board Certification/Recertification Examination in addiction medicine
• Addiction specialists seeking a "refresher" course that incorporates recent developments in addiction science and practice
• Non-specialist physicians and other healthcare professionals needing the knowledge to identify and manage problems related to substance use disorders for their patients 

The misuse of extended-release and long-acting (ER/LA) opioids is a major public health problem. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the following:

• From 2000 to 2015 more than half a million people died from drug overdoses.
• 91 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose.

The CO*RE/ASAM Pain Management and Opioids: Balancing Risks and Benefits addresses the opioid public health crisis. This comprehensive course was developed by renowned experts from Collaborative for REMS Education (CO*RE) and incorporates all six units outlined in FDA blueprint for safe opioid prescribing. The updated course also provides necessary context for safe opioid prescribing by discussing biopsychosocial aspects of pain, the newest clinical guidelines on the treatment of chronic pain, and state policies about prescribing opioids.

Learners will be able to:

1. Accurately assess patients with pain for consideration of an opioid trial
2. Establish realistic goals for pain management and restoration of function
3. Initiate opioid treatment (IR and ER/LA) safely and judiciously, maximizing efficacy while minimizing risks
4. Monitor and re-evaluate treatment continuously; discontinue safely when appropriate
5. Counsel patients and caregivers about use, misuse, abuse, diversion, and overdose
6. Educate patients about safe storage and disposal of opioids
7. Demonstrate working knowledge and ability to access general and specific information about opioids, especially those used in your practice.

CME Information and Disclosure Listing

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians. ASAM has been awarded the highest level of Accreditation with Commendation by the ACCME as a provider of continuing medical education.  

The American Society of Addiction Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.  

In accordance with the disclosure policies of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the effort is made to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all educational activities. These policies include resolving all conflicts of interest between the Medical Education Council, the CME Committee, program planning committees and faculty, and commercial interests that might otherwise compromise the goal and educational integrity of the activity. All program planning committee members and faculty participating in the activity have disclosed all relevant financial relationships with commercial interests. The ASAM CME Committee has reviewed these disclosures and determined that the program planning committee and faculty relationships are not inappropriate in the context of their respective presentations and are not inconsistent with the educational goals and integrity of the activity.  

ASAM CME Committee

Program Planning Committee

Faculty

  ASAM CME Committee Reviewers

ACCME Accreditation Statement

The American Society of Addiction Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement

The American Society of Addiction Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ABPM Maintenance of Certification (MOC)

The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) has approved this activity for a maximum of 2.5 LLSA credits towards ABPM MOC Part II requirements.

ABAM Transitional Maintenance of Certification (tMOC)

This course has been approved by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM). Physicians enrolled in the ABAM Transitional Maintenance of Certification Program (tMOC) can apply a maximum of 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ for completing this course.

Acknowledgement

Presented by ASAM, a member of the Collaborative on REMS Education (CO*RE), 10 interdisciplinary organizations working together to improve pain management and prevent adverse outcomes.

RPC Commercial Support Disclosure Statement

This educational activity is supported by an independent educational grant from the ER/LA Opioid Analgesic REMS Program Companies. Please see this link for a listing of the member companies. This activity is intended to be fully compliant with the ER/LA Opioid Analgesic REMS education requirements issued by the US Food & Drug Administration.

This course is not intended to advocate for the use of ER/LA Opioids, but to ensure proper education about safe prescribing practices should a medical provider determine that ER/LA Opioids are the best course of treatment.