The bill amends section 456.0301 of the Florida Statutes to revise the requirements for a continuing education course on prescribing controlled substances that healthcare practitioners must complete. Specifically, it adds a requirement for the course to 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, last for two hours, and is part of the biennial license renewal process for prescribers registered with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

The bill also stipulates that the course may be offered in a distance learning format and must be completed by January 31, 2019, and at each subsequent renewal. It clarifies that the Department of Health will not renew the license of any prescriber who fails to complete the course. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 844 Filed: 456.0301
S 844 c1: 456.0301
S 844 er: 456.0301