The focus of this committee is
1. Gathering tools to help physicians:
- understand prescribing guidelines and best practices during the COVID-19 pandemic
- recognize risk factors
- screen for addiction
2. Investigating alternative, scientifically-based non-opioid treatments
3. Growing a coalition with entities seeking resolution to the epidemic. Thus far, the task force has established partnerships with Governor Hogan's Opioid Operational Command Center, Maryland Department of Health, Board of Physicians, DrFirst (iPrescribe), Maryland Patient Safety Center, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, DEA, and American Medical Association.
This webpage is a living repository based on the above activities. We upload information as we receive it. Our objective is to support you by providing relevant, up-to-date material.
- Basics of Effective Pain Management - Free
This 1-hour online module will discuss our current understanding of pain, opioids, and addiction. With a better understanding of these three issues, providers will be better equipped to treat acute and chronic pain in ways that are both effective and safe. Attendees will learn that safety does not need to be sacrificed to achieve effectiveness and, effectiveness does not need to be sacrificed to achieve safety.
Don Teater MD, MPH is a family physician who has worked in western North Carolina for the past 30 years. Since 2004 he has focused on the intersection of pain, opioids, and addiction. Don was the lead facilitator for the expert panel during the development of the CDC Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain 2016
From 2013-2016, Don was the Medical Advisor at the National Safety Council leading their effort to reduce opioid abuse and overdose in the community and in the workplace. He continues to work with federal and state government organizations, medical organizations and nonprofits in addressing many aspects of the opioid epidemic.
While working on the public health aspects of the opioid epidemic, he sees patients treating opioid use disorder and chronic pain in Waynesville, NC by telemedicine. He also works one week each month as a pain and addiction specialist seeing Alaska Native patients with the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) in Juneau, AK.
- Click here for information on additional opioid-related education activities at MedChi