Providence, R.I.-based Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, in partnership with two other organizations, launched a program to provide medical students training to treat opioid-use disorders, according to the Providence Journal.
The program was created in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals and the Rhode Island Department of Health. Under the program — which is effective May 2018 — students will receive 23 hours of substance use disorder training to qualify for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's waiver to prescribe certain narcotic controlled substances to treat narcotic dependence. The training constitutes approximately four times the number of hours required to obtain the waiver.
Officials said they hope the program will help develop students and young physicians' knowledge about substance use disorder and to provide treatment options for those affected by the condition.
"Hospitals and healthcare facilities are being overwhelmed by individuals who are seeking treatment for opioid use disorders and cannot meet the demand," said Paul George, MD, assistant dean of medical education at Warren Alpert Medical School. "This program is a significant step forward in increasing the number of physicians who can prescribe medications to treat opioid use disorders."