Physician Protect Thyself: The Risks of Liberal Opioid Prescribing - CME Paid Option-Physician Protect Thyself: The Risks of Liberal Opioid Prescribing (Video)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Don Stater, an emergency and addiction medicine physician and medical director of the COMPASS opioid stewardship program, introduces an eight-part lecture series aimed at guiding clinicians in responsible opioid prescribing. The first lecture, "Physician, Protect Thyself," addresses the legal, medical, and professional risks associated with liberal opioid prescribing in 2024 and beyond. He contextualizes the ongoing opioid crisis, noting over 1 million overdose deaths since 1999, with 75% involving opioids in 2023, and the resulting increased scrutiny and litigation faced by prescribers.<br /><br />Dr. Stater reviews historical shifts in opioid prescribing—from aggressive encouragement in the 1990s-2000s based on flawed data, to subsequent backlash and tighter regulations. He outlines risks such as criminal charges (including rare murder convictions), malpractice suits, medical board sanctions, and program exclusions. Cases like Dr. Lisa Seng's demonstrate the severe consequences of reckless prescribing.<br /><br />The lecture emphasizes balancing compassionate patient care and legal caution, noting risks from abrupt opioid discontinuation, including patient violence and suicide. It recommends adhering to current CDC guidelines, state regulations, and institutional policies, using tools like informed consent, controlled substance agreements, urine drug screening, prescription monitoring programs, and thorough documentation.<br /><br />Dr. Stater highlights naloxone prescribing to mitigate overdose risk and encourages ongoing clinician support through COMPASS coaching and resources. Ultimately, responsible opioid stewardship protects patients and clinicians alike while addressing a critical public health crisis.

Keywords

opioid stewardship

opioid prescribing risks

opioid crisis

legal risks in opioid prescribing

CDC opioid guidelines

naloxone prescribing

prescription monitoring programs

opioid overdose prevention

COMPASS program