Substance Use Prevention Training for License Renewal

ByErica Pike

On May 23, 2019, Governor Jared Polis signed SB19-228 Substance Use Disorders Prevention.   The new law, section 12-30-114, C.R.S., requires the Colorado Medical Board (Board) to adopt rules on substance use prevention training for prescribers. The Board’s new Rules went into effect on March 30, 2020, and require any physician or physician assistant seeking a license renewal, reactivation or reinstatement to complete at least two hours of training per licensing cycle related to substance use prevention. This training requirement can be met through CME or other free activities listed below.

Physicians should demonstrate competency in the following topics:

  • Best practices for opioid prescribing, according to the most recent version of the Division’s Guidelines for Prescribing and Dispensing Opioids;
  • Recognition of substance use disorders;
  • Referral of patients with substance use disorders for treatment; and,
  • Use of the Electronic Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

Exemptions:

Any physician or physician assistant who meets the following criteria:

  • Maintains a national board certification that requires equivalent substance use prevention training; or
  • Attests to the Board that the health care provider does not prescribe opioids.

You can meet the training requirement by completing a total of two hours through either of the following:  

  • relevant continuing education courses;
  • self-study of relevant scholarly articles or relevant policies/guidelines;
  • peer review proceedings that involve opioid prescribing;
  • relevant volunteer service;
  • attendance at a relevant conference (or portion of a conference);
  • teaching a relevant class/course; or
  • participation in a relevant presentation, such as with your practice

Examples:

Demonstrating compliance:

  • Applicants for renewal, reactivation, or reinstatement must attest during the application process to compliance with these new training requirements or exemption qualifications.
  • The Board may audit compliance, so please keep documentation of your training.