Registration fees:       $175 per NDHA member  |  $225 per non-member

OVERVIEW:

During 2021, hospitals in Texas, Michigan, and Missouri were fined almost $14 million by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the improper handling and prescribing of controlled substances. As a result of the ongoing opioid epidemic, it appears that hospitals have been added to the government’s continued focus on prescription opioids. This webinar will link the DEA’s specific authorities in the practice of medicine and controlled substances, in light of the opioid epidemic, and how it specifically relates to hospitals and medical clinics. Through a review of federal law and actual case studies involving several hospital investigations, attendees will learn what triggers a DEA investigation, how to respond, and more importantly, how to prevent one from ever happening at their hospitals.

This webinar is not a “theories class” or a discussion of recent case rulings, but will be an engaging, data driven, common sense review of recurring problem areas and red flags from a former DEA agent with real life prescription opioid experience. The course will also cover updates regarding new federal law pharmacy requirements for “suspicious order monitoring,” DEA registration, controlled substance security requirements, and emerging best practices tips.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Describe the DEA’s specific authorities and role in relation to controlled substances, hospitals, and the practice of medicine;
• Articulate characteristics and red flags that are often seen in hospitals that result in monetary fines; and
• Discuss practical strategies and tips to reduce opioid risk at medical organizations while complying with federal law.

MEET YOUR FACULTY:

Dennis A. Wichern

Dennis A. Wichern is a partner with Prescription Drug Consulting (PDC) where he focuses his efforts on risk mitigation and compliance initiatives to protect healthcare organizations and providers nationwide. Prior to joining PDC, Wichern completed 30 years of public service as a DEA agent, last serving as the agent in charge of the Chicago Field Division. Before his transfer to Chicago in 2014, he oversaw DEA operations in Indiana where he observed first-hand the deadly effects resulting from the prescription drug and opioid epidemic. Wichern has been a guest lecturer on medical prescriber safeguards to medical students, residents, and prescribers at Harvard Medical School, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Illinois State Medical Society, and several additional schools and hospital groups. He has also lectured with the American Bar Association Health Law Section, the American Health Lawyers Association, and the Indiana University McKinney Law School, as well as at the DEA Training Center in Quantico, VA.