MEDCHI STAFF: Yelena Shapiro, 410-539-0872, ext. 3370; Josie Eichner, 410-539-0872, ext. 3359
Last Updated: 01/24/19

MedChi's Opioid Task Force was created in February 2017 by Gary Pushkin, M.D., MedChi's President 2017-2018, to help Maryland physicians address the opioid epidemic. The task force meets monthly and is made up of--not limited to--orthopedic, pain management, addiction, family medicine, anesthesiology, gynecology, and emergency medicine physicians and is working on a balanced response to the epidemic. 

Currently, MedChi's Opioid Task Force is working on:
1. Exploring bill ideas for Legislative Session 2019

2. Gathering tools to help physicians:
    • To recognize risk factors
    • To screen for addiction 
    • With prescribing (guidelines / best practice)

3. Investigating alternative, scientifically-based non-opioid treatments

4. 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.                    

Click here for Articles / Research, Current Events, & Special Reports

Click here for Buprenorphine

Click here for Contact Lists

Click here for Events: Upcoming and Past

Click here for Operational Materials

Click here for Opioid Alternatives

Click here for Prescribing Guidelines

Click here for Screening Tools

Click here for Websites

Click here for information on additional opioid-related education activities at MedChi.