Course Overview

This evidence-based continuing education course teaches APRNs how to identify and respond to the full continuum of unhealthy substance use in everyday practice using the SBIRT framework. It explains what Nevada requires, how to screen every patient with brief validated tools, how to deliver a motivational brief intervention in a few minutes, and how to make an active referral that actually connects the patient to treatment.

Topics include: why substance use belongs in every APRN visit, the continuum of unhealthy substance use from risky use to severe disorder, the three components of SBIRT as defined in NRS 632.0193, the Nevada requirement under NRS 632.343(3)(d), what the USPSTF and other evidence recommend about screening, setting up screening so patients answer honestly, standard drinks and low-risk drinking limits, single-question screens for alcohol and drugs, the AUDIT, AUDIT-C, DAST-10, TAPS, CRAFFT, and tobacco screening, moving from a positive screen to a brief assessment, special populations including adolescents, pregnant patients, and older adults, the spirit of motivational interviewing, readiness to change, the FRAMES model, the brief negotiated interview, common pitfalls in brief intervention, brief treatment and follow-up, why referral must be active and how to do a warm handoff, matching patients to the right level of care, treatment the APRN can offer including medications for alcohol and opioid use disorder, finding treatment resources in Nevada, documentation, billing codes, and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality, and making SBIRT work in a busy practice.

Each chapter includes case-based self-check questions with answers, and the course concludes with a 10-question post-test. Emphasis is placed on skills APRNs can use at the next visit: a 30 second screen, a 5 minute conversation that respects patient autonomy, and a referral the patient will follow through on.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the components of the screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) approach, the continuum of unhealthy substance use, and the Nevada requirements for APRN training in SBIRT.
2. Select and interpret validated screening instruments for alcohol, drug, prescription medication, and tobacco use in adult and adolescent patients.
3. Apply motivational, evidence-based brief intervention techniques and active referral strategies to connect patients with the appropriate level of substance use treatment.

Key Features

Course Author: Joanna Nolte, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, Accredited Provider Program Director. Nurse Planner: Vanessa Cameron, PhD, RN. No conflicts of interest to disclose.

Release date: November 1, 2026. Expires October 31, 2029.