As part of ongoing efforts to address the epidemic of opioid overdose deaths, New York State has established educational requirements to raise healthcare provider awareness of the risks associated with prescribing and taking opioid pain medications.

The goal of this CME activity is to share best practices in post-operative opioid prescribing to reduce the number of excess opioids left over following a surgery or acute pain episode of care. Leftover opioids increase the risk of misuse for patients, family members, friends, and guests.

Opioid analgesic medications can bring substantial relief to patients suffering from pain.