Non-accredited medical practitioners
Up to 30 patients
- 20 buprenorphine preparation patients;
- 10 low-risk, methadone patients transferred to your care;
- Cannot initiate patients on methadone.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
A range of educational activities are provided at no cost to train health professionals within NSW around key clinical aspects regarding opioid agonist treatment. Activities aim to develop the required knowledge, skills, and practices to support the safe prescribing of opioid pharmacotherapies for the treatment of opioid dependence.
For medical and nurse practitioners, completion of the Fundamentals of Opioid Treatment and the Opioid Treatment Accreditation Course (OTAC) serve as the first two steps to applying for accreditation to prescribe opioid pharmacotherapies in NSW. Other activities provided are not required for accreditation.
Fundamentals of Opioid Treatment
An introductory module for health professionals interested in learning more about the of core concepts of NSW Opioid Treatment Program and the safe prescribing of opioid pharmacotherapies. Completion of this course is also for those considering to enrol in the the Opioid Treatment Accreditation Course (OTAC).
Opioid Treatment Accreditation Course (OTAC)
A comprehensive course on opioid treatment, facilitated by addiction medicine specialists. Aligning with the NSW Clinical Guidelines: Treatment of Opioid Dependence, the OTAC allows medical and nurse practitioners to become an accredited prescriber of opioid pharmacotherapies in NSW.
Depot buprenorphine for opioid dependence
Depot buprenorphine is a new pharmacotherapy that represents a significant development in the model of care for patients with opioid dependence. This short course is designed to support prescribers, and other health professionals, in NSW in providing this treatment in a safe and effective manner.
Driving Safety: Sedating Medications & OAT
A online short course for health professionals caring for patients who receive opioid agonist treatment (OAT). Explore the potential impact of treatments and other factors on driving safety. Plus learn about short and long-term fitness to drive, with a focus on sedating medications and OAT.
Clinical Case Webinar Series (Monthly)
Interactive webinars to provide health professionals with a continuing learning environment to discuss clinical matters related to prescribing methadone or buprenorphine pharmacotherapies for opioid dependence. Sessions include case-based discussions and relevant topic resources.
Become Accredited to Prescribe Opioid Pharmacotherapies
Completing the Fundamentals of Opioid Treamtment and the OTAC, followed by a half-day clinical placement, allows for medical and nurse practitioners to apply for accreditation with the NSW Ministry of Health Opioid Pharmacotherapy Subcommittee (OPS).
Non-accredited medical practitioners may still prescribe opioid pharmacotherapies for opioid dependence in a limited capacity.
For more information, refer to the Placements and Accreditation page.
Accredited medical / Nurse practitioners
Up to 300 patients
- Prescribe buprenorphine preparations or methadone;
- 200 patients in pharmacy / private clinics, or 300 in public clinics;
- Ability to initiate patients on methadone.