NJ SR84

Urges the State Boards of Medical Examiners, Dentistry, Nursing, and Pharmacy to implement mandatory continuing education requirements on opioid-related topics for healthcare professionals

Continuing education would cover responsible prescribing practices, alternatives to opioid medication for pain management, and recognizing signs of opioid misuse, abuse, and addiction

Requirements would apply to physicians, physician assistants, advance practice nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals who prescribe opioids or interact with patients prescribed opioids

Education requirements would remain in effect for the next two biennial license renewal periods, with potential extension by the boards

Notes that in 2012, healthcare providers wrote 259 million opioid prescriptions nationwide, and New Jersey currently ranks 11th lowest for drug overdose death rates