Prescribing and Monitoring Controlled Substances CE Requirement
What is this requirement?
Pharmacists in their initial renewal period must complete this requirement not later than the first anniversary of their licensure.
This requirement was mandated by the 86th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, per House Bill 2174. This bill updates Section 481.07635 of the Texas Health and Safety Code to include the following:
(a) A person authorized to receive information under Section 481.076(a)(5) shall, not later than the first anniversary after the person is issued a license, certification, or registration to prescribe or dispense controlled substances under this chapter, complete two hours of professional education related to approved procedures of prescribing and monitoring controlled substances.
What is the corresponding TSBP rule language?
From Board rule 295.8(d)(1)(C):
(C) not later than the first anniversary of becoming licensed to practice pharmacy, a pharmacist must have completed at least two contact hours (0.2 CEU) specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection related to approved procedures of prescribing and monitoring controlled substances as specified in §481.07635 of the Texas Health and Safety Code;
What courses may be counted toward this requirement?
Any course that is considered an approved program type as outlined by Board rule 295.8 (i.e., ACPE, AMA PRA Category 1 CME, etc.) wherein the primary focus of the course is prescribing and monitoring controlled substances may be counted toward meeting this requirement. Most opioid- and controlled substances-related programs would likely count, provided they are also related to approved procedures for prescribing and monitoring controlled substances as outlined by 295.8.
