News & Notes

Four organizations representing the state regulatory boards that license U.S. physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, nurses and dentists have announced launch of Opioid Regulatory Collaborative (ORC) — a new partnership aimed at addressing nation’s opioid epidemic.The ORC will bring together senior leaders from American Association Dental Boards (AADB), Federation State Medical (FSMB), National Pharmacy (NABP) Council Nursing (NCSBN) to share resources strategies reduce substance use disorder among public as well health care practitioners.The ORC’s three primary goals are to: Ensure medical, pharmacy, nursing dentistry kept informed trends developments in ongoing effort disorder.Seek better alignment opioid-related guidance policies across increase effectiveness issues.Partner with support initiatives other epidemic, including Academy Medicine’s Action on Countering Epidemic.By uniting key professions prescribe dispense prescription medications, hopes focus efforts curb misuse.Collectively, AADB, FSMB, NABP NCSBN represent various member-boards regulate combined total more than five million practicing United States.Representatives four begun quarterly meetings planning formal summit meeting take place Washington, D.C., March 2022.In recent decades, epidemic has become significant national crisis. Studies shown many one quarter or patients prescribed opioids may misuse them, roughly 10% using for chronic pain eventually develop an disorder. In 2019, nearly 50,000 people States died opioid-involved overdoses. The Centers Disease Control Prevention estimates economic burden is $78.5 billion year.Opioid serious issue within well, studies indicating some licensed professionals engage during their careers.Over last year, number osteopathic physicians climbed 135,000 80% over past decade according report recently issued by Osteopathic (AOA).The AOA’s Profession Report tracks expansion growth medical profession examines current demographics related (DOs) students.The notes added 7,500 work force 2021, DOs now accounting approximately 11% all States.According report, two-thirds actively under age 45, totaling 78,000 physicians. Overall, females make up 43% active practice three-quarters them 45.To read full visit https://osteopathic.org/about/aoa-statistics.