The Intersection of DEA, Opioids and Hospital Risk — Virtual Event

Audience

COOs, CMOs, CNOs, nurses, pharmacy staff, compliance officers, medical staff coordinators, risk managers, patient safety officers, documentation specialists, hospital legal counsel, joint commission coordinators, regulatory officers, education department staff, audit staff, and others responsible for compliance with hospital regulations, including documentation compliance

The following program content was provided by the speaker.

Overview

In 2021, hospitals in Texas, Michigan and Missouri were fined nearly $14 million by the Drug Enforcement Administration for the improper handling and prescribing of controlled substances. As a result of the ongoing opioid epidemic, it appears that hospitals have been added to the government’s continued focus on prescription opioids. This virtual event will link the DEA’s specific authorities in the practice of medicine and controlled substances in light of the opioid epidemic and how it specifically relates to hospitals and medical clinics. Through a review of federal law and actual case studies involving several hospital investigations, attendees will learn what triggers a DEA investigation, how to respond, and more importantly, how to prevent one from ever happening at their hospitals.

This is not a “theories class” or a discussion of recent case rulings; however, it is an engaging, data-driven, common sense review of recurring problem areas and red flags from a former DEA agent with real-life prescription opioid experience. Updates regarding new federal law pharmacy requirements for “suspicious order monitoring,” DEA registration, controlled substance security requirements and emerging best practices tips will be covered.

Objectives

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

• • describe the DEA’s specific authorities and role in relation to controlled substances, hospitals and the practice of medicine
  • articulate characteristics and red flags that often are seen in hospitals that result in monetary fines
  • discuss practical strategies and tips to reduce opioid risk at medical organizations while complying with federal law

Speaker

Dennis A. Wichern is a partner with Prescription Drug Consulting where he focuses his efforts on risk mitigation and compliance initiatives to protect health care organizations and providers nationwide. Before joining PDC, Wichern completed 30 years of public service as a DEA agent, last serving as the agent in charge of the Chicago Field Division. Before his transfer to Chicago in 2014, he oversaw DEA operations in Indiana where he observed first-hand the deadly effects resulting from the prescription drug and opioid epidemic. Wichern has been a guest lecturer on medical prescriber safeguards to medical students, residents and prescribers at Harvard Medical School, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Illinois State Medical Society, and several additional schools and hospital groups. He also has lectured with the American Bar Association Health Law Section, the American Health Lawyers Association and the Indiana University McKinney Law School, as well as at the DEA Training Center in Quantico, Va.

This educational activity is provided by MHA Health Institute in collaboration with Louisiana Hospital Association.