Problem
In recent years, increased prescription of opioid medications led to widespread misuse of both prescription and non-prescription opioids before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (2019), more than 130 people in the United States die every day after overdosing on opioids. It is beyond the scope of the medical assistant's training to give advice about drugs or prescribe medication. This also includes administering or dispensing prescription or OTC medications, herbs, and drug samples unless under the direct order and supervision of a physician/health care provider. However, other aspects related to medication may be the medical administrative Assistants responsibility, subject to specific requirements and training by each employer.
National Institute of Drug Abuse (2019). Opioid Addictions.
• Additional sources:
• Opioid Crisis News
• Addiction
Investigate the methods used to store, control, and dispose of drugs.
Include the following aspects in the discussion:
1) Summarize an article that discusses opioid addiction (may use your own or additional resources provided)
2) Expand on provisions being developed to address the opioid crisis at the federal level.
3) Discuss what you can do as a medical administrative assistant to help with the crisis.