THE IMPAIRED PHYSICIAN
The prevalence of SUDs in physicians is thought to mimic the prevalence in the general public and has been estimated at 8 to 13 percent in the United States population. 135 In the past, physicians with SUDs were described as “impaired physicians,” a term that was also applied to physicians with psychiatric, cognitive, behavioral, or general medical problems with potential to adversely affect their ability to perform specific duties. More recently, the terminology has evolved to “physicians with potentially impairing conditions” to more accurately reflect the reality that not all physicians with a diagnosable SUD demonstrate workplace impairment. 136 The American Medical Association’s (AMA) Code of Medical Ethics outlines the reporting responsibilities of physicians who suspect that a colleague might be impaired: Conclusion Providers who prescribe controlled substances are responsible for ensuring these potentially dangerous medications are used as safely and as effectively as possible. Providers can use many tools to assist in prescribing controlled substances, including thorough history taking, professional documentation, patient– provider agreements, and informed consent. Keeping up to date with current guidelines and regulatory information will help providers stay informed on ever- changing controlled substance recommendations. Preventing substance use disorders from developing by appropriately prescribing controlled substances
Physicians’ responsibilities to colleagues who are impaired by a condition that interferes with their ability to engage safely in professional activities include timely intervention to ensure that these colleagues cease practicing and receive appropriate assistance from a physician health program (PHP)…. Ethically and legally, it may be necessary to report an impaired physician who continues to practice despite reasonable offers of assistance and referral to a hospital or state physician health program. The duty to report...may entail...reporting to the licensing authority. This decision to report can be difficult and physicians are encouraged to seek guidance from others, including experts in physician health and substance abuse, that can assist with the justification for action. 137
following state and federal regulations can help slow the trends of drug abuse nationwide.
WORKS CITED https:///uqr.to/SUD-DEA
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS: A DEA REQUIREMENT Final Examination Questions Select the best answer for each question and mark your answers on the Final Examination Answer Sheet found on page 91, or complete your test online at BOOK.CME.EDU
11.Which United States federal agency is NOT involved in scheduling-controlled substances: a. DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). b. FDA (Food and Drug Association). c. HHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). d. FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation). 12. A patient presents with slurred speech and appears sedated after taking an unknown amount of diazepam. This patient’s past medical history includes chronic benzodiazepine use. What is the risk of administering Flumazenil as a reversal agent to this patient? a. Respiratory depression. b. Hypoglycemia. c. Intractable seizures. d. Bradycardia.
13. The term “addict” has been eliminated from the DSM-5® (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed). What is the term considered more neutral and appropriate for patients that meet the previous criteria for addiction? a. Illicit compulsion. b. Substance Use Disorder. c. Drug Tolerance Disorder. d. Compulsive Disorder NOS. 14. Which symptom is NOT commonly seen in severe alcohol withdrawal? a. Generalized seizures. b. Status epilepticus. c. Tremors. d. Tachycardia. 15. Wernicke- Korsakoff syndrome results typically results from a deficiency in which 2 vitamins?
a. Thiamine and Pyridoxine (B6). b. Pyridoxine (B6) and Folate. c. Folate and Glucose. d. Thiamine (B1) and Folate.
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Book Code: MDCO1025
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