D. Raygor1, E. Bryant2, G. A. Brat3, D. S. Smink2, M. Crandall1, B. K. Yorkgitis1 1University Of Florida-Jacksonville,Division Of Acute Care Surgery,Jacksonville, FL, USA 2Brigham And Women’s Hospital,Surgery,Boston, MA, USA 3Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center,Surgery,Boston, MA, USA
Introduction: Opioid misuse is a public health crisis that stems in part from over-prescribing by healthcare providers. Surgical residents are commonly responsible for prescribing opioids at patient discharge and residency program directors (PDs) are charged with their residents’ education. Because each hospital and state has different opioid prescribing policies, we sought to assess PDs’ knowledge about local controlled substance prescribing polices.
Methods: A survey was emailed to PDs that included questions regarding residency characteristics and knowledge of local regulations.
Results: A total of 247 PDs were emailed with 110 (44.5%) completed responses. 104 (94.5%) allow residents to prescribe outpatient opioids; 1 was unsure. 63 (57.3%) respondents correctly answered if their state required opioid prescribing education (OPE) for full licensure. 22 (20.0%) were unsure if their state required OPE for licensure. 64 (58.2%) respondents answered correctly if a prescription monitor programs (PMP) exists in their state; 36 (58.1%) stated their residents have access. 29 (26.4%) were unsure if a state PMP existed. 76 (69.1%) SRPD’s answered correctly about their state’s requirement for an additional registration to prescribe controlled substances; 10 (9.1%) did not know if this was required. 29 (27.9%) programs require residents to obtain individual DEA registration; 5 (4.8%) were unsure if this was required.
Conclusion:Most programs allow residents to prescribe outpatient opioids. However, this survey demonstrated a considerable gap in PDs’ knowledge about controlled substance regulations. Because they oversee surgical residents’ education, PDs should be versed about their local policies in this matter.
