Illinois Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who prescribe controlled substances must complete 3 hours of continuing education in Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices during each renewal cycle. This state-mandated training applies to all APRNs with a Controlled Substance Registration who prescribe under the Controlled Substances Act and must be completed as part of your license renewal requirements.
Complete Your Required Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices Continuing Education (CE) Online
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What is required for Illinois Advanced Practice Registered Nurses?
Under Illinois law, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who are prescribers under the Controlled Substances Act and hold a Controlled Substance Registration must complete 3 contact hours of continuing education focused on safe opioid prescribing practices during each license renewal period. This requirement ensures that prescribing APRNs maintain current knowledge of evidence-based guidelines for responsible opioid prescribing.
The training must address appropriate assessment, prescribing, monitoring, and management of patients receiving opioid therapy. This 3-hour requirement is in addition to your standard continuing education requirements for APRN license renewal in Illinois. All APRNs with prescriptive authority for controlled substances must complete this training to maintain compliance with state regulations.
The course must be provided by an approved continuing education provider recognized by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Upon completion, you must maintain documentation of your certificate as part of your license renewal records. For complete regulatory details, refer to the official regulation published by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
The requirement applies specifically to APRNs who prescribe controlled substances. If you do not have a Controlled Substance Registration or do not prescribe controlled substances as part of your practice, this specific 3-hour requirement may not apply to you, though you should verify your individual requirements with the Illinois Board of Nursing.
Complete Your Required Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices Continuing Education (CE) Online
Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — ANCC-accredited with instant certificate.
What does the Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices Continuing Education (CE) training cover?
The Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices CE course provides comprehensive training on evidence-based approaches to opioid prescribing, patient assessment, risk mitigation strategies, and regulatory compliance. The curriculum addresses the clinical, ethical, and legal considerations essential for safe opioid prescribing in advanced practice nursing.
- Current epidemiology of the opioid crisis and the role of prescribers in addressing overdose deaths and addiction rates
- Evidence-based guidelines for appropriate patient selection, assessment, and screening before initiating opioid therapy
- Safe prescribing practices including dosing guidelines, monitoring protocols, and documentation requirements
- Recognition of opioid use disorder, substance misuse, and strategies for early intervention and referral
- Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) utilization and interpretation of patient prescription history
- Alternative pain management approaches and non-opioid treatment options for chronic and acute pain
Complete Your Required Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices Continuing Education (CE) Online
Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — ANCC-accredited with instant certificate.
How to complete your Illinois Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices Continuing Education (CE) requirement
- Select an approved continuing education provider recognized by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, such as an ANCC-accredited provider.
- Enroll in a 3-hour Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices course that meets Illinois state requirements for prescribing APRNs.
- Complete the entire course curriculum, including all instructional content, case studies, and assessments required by the provider.
- Receive your completion certificate immediately upon finishing the course and passing any required post-test.
- Maintain documentation of your certificate in your records for verification during license renewal or audit by the Illinois Board of Nursing.
Common questions about Illinois Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices Continuing Education (CE)
Does this requirement apply to all Illinois APRNs? No, this 3-hour requirement specifically applies to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who are prescribers under the Controlled Substances Act and hold a Controlled Substance Registration. If you do not prescribe controlled substances, you should verify your specific requirements with the Illinois Board of Nursing.
Can I take this course online? Yes, online courses are accepted and provide the most convenient way to meet this requirement. Choose an ANCC-accredited provider to ensure your course is recognized by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Renew Now CE offers a 1 hour Controlled Substances CE for Illinois APRNS who do not hold a CSR
How often must I complete this training? The 3-hour Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices CE must be completed during each license renewal cycle. For most Illinois APRNs, the renewal cycle is every two years, so you will need to complete this training every two years as part of your continuing education requirements.
Complete Your Required Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices Continuing Education (CE) Online
Approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — ANCC-accredited with instant certificate.