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PCSS Providing Insight to Practices Finding Success Treating Opioid Use Disorder
Over the last two years, PCSS has been working in five states on implementing evidence-based practices and overcoming barriers to medication assisted treatment (MAT). PCSS is now providing access to lessons learned, which can be accessed via the pcssNOW.org website for use in your practice. PCSS clinical experts worked with local champions and multi-disciplinary teams in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland to address challenges and barriers to MAT treatment in each system. Check back from time-to-time as more Lessons Learned will be added! [Learn more]
PCSS Trainings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
American Psychiatric Association Live Webinar

Expanding Access To Medication Assisted Treatment for
Opioid Use Disorders to Patients in the Hospital
Date: Tuesday Aug. 28, 2018
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Presenter: Christopher Welsh, MD
Webinar description: Opioid use disorder and related morbidity and mortality continues to increase in much of the United States. As a result, related Emergency Department visits and hospitalizations have increased significantly. [Learn more]
American Society for Pain Management Nursing Archived Webinar
Pain Care Legislation and Public Policy
Webinar description: This webinar will provide insight into the thought process of those making policy and how that policy might impact healthcare providers.  [Learn more]
Of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PAEA Releases Video on its Role in Opioid Crisis

A new video from the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) discusses its role in addressing the opioid use disorder healthcare crisis, as well as the role of PCSS in training clinicians in medication assisted treatment.

The PAEA is on the PCSS Steering Committee and is a partner organization on the SAMHSA-funded grant, State Targeted Response-Technical Assistance (STR-TA), which is providing local technical assistance to communities in all 50 states and seven territories to address OUD.
ACEP Releases Free Opioid-Related Resources Online
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has launched two opioid-related podcasts and created a new website dedicated to opioid resources. The first podcast features Eric Ketcham, MD, Kathryn Hawk, MD, and Ryan Stanton MD, discuss the importance of medication assisted treatment (MAT) and the results of a survey examining current practices for patients with an addiction disorder. Ryan Stanton, MD, talks to Alexis LaPietra, DO, FACEP, and Mark Rosenberg, DO, FACEP, about being better stewards of opioids and the emergency departments role in the opioid crisis. 

Additionally, ACEP has launched E-QUAL Network Opioid Initiative hosts numerous resources, available and free for download on a variety of opioid topics.

On Sept. 30,2018, ACEP is sponsoring an 8-hour MAT waiver training targeting Emergency Physicians. [ More information ]
FDA Plans Public Workshop to Discuss
Reducing Barriers to Treating Opioid Use Disorder
On Sept. 20, the FDA is conducting a public workshop to generate an active discussion with providers and health system stakeholders on the armamentarium of therapies to treat opioid use disorder, current barriers to appropriate use of these medications, and opportunities to further reduce stigma and expand access to effective pharmacotherapies as part of an evidence-based approach to OUD treatment. [Learn more]
NIDA Offers New Screening Tool for Screening/Brief Assessment
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Clinical Trials Network is making available a new scientifically validated, online screening tool designed to assess a patient’s risk for substance misuse and substance use disorder and assist the health care provider with prevention and treatment strategies. The Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance use (TAPS) Tool is available consists of a comprehensive screening component followed by a brief assessment for those who screen positive. [Learn more]
Four-Part Webinar Series Explores Digital Health Technologies
The PSATTC/MPATTC is presenting a four-part webinar series that explores digital technologies and how they can improve your practice. Topics include:
  • What are Digital Heath Technologies and How do they Work?
  • Overview of Privacy and Security as it Relates to Digital Health Technologies
  • Engagement when using Digital Health Technologies
  • Implementing Digital Health Technologies into your World
Online Case-Based Course:
Opioid Management for Acute Pain in Hospitalized Adults 
The National Institutes on Health Pain Consortium of offering a case-based clinician trainings module designed for the evaluation of acute pain and opioid management for adults. The course is designed to teach emergency room responders and pharmacists how to assess patients before treating with opioid pain relievers; identify risk factors for opioid related adverse events; describe how to safely initiate therapy, modify dose, and discontinue opioids; counsel patients and caregivers about the safe use of opioids, and comply with controlled substances laws and regulations, among other guidelines.  
National Opioid Crisis Management Congress Convenes Next Month
BRI Network’s 2nd Annual National Opioid Crisis Management Congress will address the state of the science in pain management, characterize the epidemiology of the opioid epidemic, and identify actions that can be taken to respond. Top thought leaders in opioid management will share their latest research and real-world knowledge in the evolving paradigm of opioids in medicine. Experts at the state and federal levels providing leadership on the opioid public health crisis will also present developing strategic partnerships to serve our most vulnerable citizens. For more information or to register go here or call 800-743-8490. PCSS and its partner organizations use Promo Code AA10 to receive 10% off the registration fee.
News and Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New York Times

New England Journal of Medicine

American Journal of Psychiatry

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

JAMA Psychiatry

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment

The American Journal on Addictions

Annals of Emergency Medicine

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment

Medscape
PCSS Online Brochure. Please share this link with colleagues: https://goo.gl/G1ay6H
Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant nos. 5H79TI025595-03, 5U79TI026556-02 and 3U79TI026556-02S1 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.