Opioids are natural or synthetic chemicals that interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain, reducing the intensity of pain signals and feelings of pain. This class of drugs include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain medications available legally by prescription such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. Opioid pain medications are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but because they produce euphoria in addition to pain relief, they can be misused. Source: CDC
Across the U.S., hospitals and health systems are working to address the opioid crisis. To help in their efforts, the American Hospital Association developed a new toolkit to provide guidance and information to hospitals and health systems on how they can work with their patients, clinicians and communities to stem this epidemic. The primary goals of the toolkit include:
The toolkit was created with input from subject matter experts, including psychiatrists specializing in addictions, CMOs and other clinical experts, pain management professionals, and a number of specifically-identified stakeholders to ensure its relevance across the field.
A link to the new toolkit can be found at www.aha.org/opioidtoolkit. You may also use and share anAHA blog post at http://blog.aha.org/.
Effective July 1, 2017, the emergency opioid antagonist naloxone (Narcan) may be dispensed by pharmacists without a prescription pursuant to statewide protocol. The protocol allows for dispensing naloxone to individuals at risk of experiencing, witnessing, or responding to an opioid-related overdose. The statewide protocol and a step-by-step Narcan nasal spray administration guide is available online at http://www.pharmacy.ks.gov/resources-consumer-info/naloxone.
Save the Date for the 2nd Annual Kansas Opioid Conference November 15th, 2018 Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center1717 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612 Please join us on Nov. 15 to learn more about the opioid crisis and engage in this proactive effort to build a collaborative response in Kansas by addressing the issue across disciplines such as prescribing, prevention, treatment, recovery, and intervention.
Call for Presentation Proposals The 2nd annual Opioid Conference is currently accepting proposals online on the Call for Proposals Page through July 31, 2018. The annual conference will take place on Nov. 15, 2018, at the Topeka Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center. DCCCA and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services along with the Kansas Prescription Drug and Opioid Advisory Committee present the conference. Proposals are requested for workshops that emphasize knowledge-sharing, skills-building, practical application and audience participation. Sessions should focus on emerging trends, building skills and knowledge, and advocacy for best practices to address the prescription drug and opioid crisis across disciplines. Proposals should fit into one of the following topic areas: prevention, provider education, prescribing, pain management, treatment, recovery, intervention, neonatal abstinence syndrome, naloxone, or law enforcement. Note: Presenters may submit proposals on other topics; however, they must relate to prescription drug and/or opioid misuse prevention.Proposal Deadline: July 31, 2018Registration Opens: Aug. 15, 2018Submit a Presentation Information and materials from the 2017 Opioid Conference can be found by clicking here.
AHA Sends Opioid Policy Recommendations to Ways and Means CommitteeThe American Hospital Association recently submitted policy recommendations to House Ways and Means Committee leaders as they begin developing Medicare-related legislation to address the opioid crisis. The committee is seeking feedback on specific questions related to overprescribing, data tracking, beneficiary notification, provider education, and treatment options. AHA also has submitted recommendations to other committees of jurisdiction, as Congress plans to enact comprehensive legislation on opioids this spring.