By: Associated Press//November 11, 2016//
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Department of Safety and Professional Services has passed an emergency rule requiring doctors to get biennial training on prescribing opioids.
The agency passed the regulations on Thursday. They require that two of the 30 hours of biennial continuing education physicians must receive cover prescribing opioids according to DSPS guidelines. Those guidelines call for prescribing opioids sparingly and avoiding them as a first option to treat pain.
The guidelines are designed to prevent heroin addictions. Opioid users often turn to that drug when their prescriptions run out.