Amendment directs healthcare providers with VA affiliation to take continuing education courses specific to pain management, opioids, and substance abuse.

1. Adds SEC. 11. CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR EMPLOYEES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AUTHORIZED TO PRESCRIBE MEDICATION at the end of the bill

   Adds a section

   Inserted: SEC. 11. CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR EMPLOYEES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AUTHORIZED TO PRESCRIBE MEDICATION.

   Inserted: (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 74 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

   Inserted: "Sec. 7413. Continuing education requirement for employees authorized to prescribe medication

   Inserted: "(a) Requirement.--(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall require each covered employee of the Department to complete not less than one accredited course of continuing education on pain management once every two years. Such course shall include information on safe prescribing practices and disposal of controlled substances, principles of pain management, identification of potential substance use disorders and addiction treatment.

   Inserted: "(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a covered employee if the covered employee is licensed or certified by a State licensure or specialty board that requires the completion of continuing education relative to pain management or substance use disorder management.

   Inserted: "(b) Definitions.--In this section:

   Inserted: "(1) The term 'covered employee' means any employee of the Department authorized to prescribe any controlled substance, including an employee hired under section 7405 of this title.

   Inserted: "(2) The term 'controlled substance' has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802).

   Inserted: "(c) Applicability.--The requirement under subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a covered employee for any 24-month period during which the covered employee is employed by the Department for at least 180 days.".

   Inserted: (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to subchapter I of such chapter the following new item:

   Inserted: "7413. Continuing education requirement for employees authorized to prescribe medication.".

   Inserted: (c) Applicability.--Section 7413 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a 12-month period that begins on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

   Original wording

   Add at the end the following new section:

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As printed