Michigan practitioner diversion awareness training
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – On Friday, June 14, 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federation of State Medical Boards hosted the Michigan Practitioner Diversion Awareness Training at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids.
Drug overdoses are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in the United States and the state of Michigan has been plagued by a disheartening amount of prescription drug-related overdoses. This crisis is destroying communities throughout our nation and every day we see the impact that drug abuse has on our neighborhoods. The objective of the Michigan Practitioner Diversion Awareness Training is to provide information and tools to address prescription drug abuse and addiction. Along with illicit narcotic enforcement, the DEA is responsible for preventing, detecting, and investigating the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals. In addition to our regulatory efforts, DEA provides drug diversion education for practitioners and pharmaceutical companies to promote compliance. Today, participants of this training have been equipped with important information to help prevent prescription drug diversion as they collaborate with the DEA on this national issue.
Opening remarks for this training were given by the DEA Detroit Division Diversion Program Manager Kathy Federico. Instruction was provided by experts from the DEA, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, practitioners and others. Various topics were addressed including DEA’s Diversion Control mission, Michigan Automated Prescription Service and state legislative updates, health care fraud and diversion, electronic prescribing and addiction and medication-assisted treatment.
A positive response was well-received from Michigan registrants who participated in person and via live-stream in this important event. Attendees from our medical community demonstrated a commitment to improve the health and safety of our communities by reducing drug addiction and diversion.
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