Tennessee Guidelines for Controlled Substance Prescribing and Abuse - 2 AOA Category 1-A Credits

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Apply the Tennessee prescribing guidelines when initiating or continuing opioid therapy.

2. Differentiate the prescribing and monitoring risks associated with opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and carisoprodol.

3. Assess patient risk for misuse, diversion, addiction, and overdose based on clinical history, CSMD information, and monitoring findings.

4. Analyze Tennessee legal and professional requirements for controlled-substance prescribing, documentation, CSMD review, and risk mitigation.

This 2-hour course examines Tennessee-specific guidelines and requirements for prescribing controlled substances and managing pain safely. The course covers opioids and other high-risk controlled substances, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and carisoprodol, as well as prescribing standards, Controlled Substance Monitoring Database use, patient assessment, risk stratification, documentation, ongoing monitoring, overdose prevention, naloxone, and safe medication disposal. Learners will strengthen their ability to apply Tennessee prescribing guidance, evaluate the risk of misuse and overdose, identify potential diversion, and use monitoring and documentation practices that support safe, evidence-based care.

This education addresses knowledge and practice gaps related to changing prescribing requirements, safe use of high-risk medications, recognition of addiction and diversion, and consistent application of risk-reduction strategies. It is intended to support patient safety, regulatory compliance, and appropriate clinical decision-making.

State requirement:  This course is designed to meet the 2-hour controlled-substance continuing education requirement for qualifying Tennessee prescribers under Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-402.