The bill amends section 456.0301 of the Florida Statutes to revise the requirements for a continuing education course on prescribing controlled substances for healthcare providers registered with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Specifically, it mandates that the course, which is required for biennial license renewal, must now include information on the treatment of pain for patients with sickle cell disease, in addition to existing topics such as current standards for prescribing controlled substances, alternatives to these standards, nonpharmacological therapies, and the risks of opioid addiction. The course must be board-approved and can be offered in a distance learning format.

The bill also stipulates that prescribers who fail to complete the required course by January 31, 2019, and at each subsequent renewal, will not have their licenses renewed. This requirement does not apply to licensees who are already mandated by their practice act to complete a minimum of 2 hours of continuing education on safe and effective prescribing of controlled substances. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 353 Filed: 456.0301
H 353 c1: 456.0301