Attention Optometrists
Mandatory Education Requirement for TPA and TPA+GC prescribers
Massachusetts optometrists who have MCSR registration to prescribe schedules III-VI medications for the treatment of ocular diseases and deformities must complete during each license renewal period at least one (1) hour of course work or training relative to:
- Effective pain management;
- The risks of abuse and addiction associated with opioid medication;
- Identification of patients at risk for substance abuse disorders;
- Counseling patients about the side effects, addictive nature and proper storage and disposal of prescription medications;
- Appropriate prescription quantities for prescription medications that have an increased risk of abuse; and
- Opioid antagonists, overdose prevention treatments and instances in which a patient may be advised on both the use of and ways to access opioid antagonists and overdose prevention treatments.
These topics may be covered by a single, comprehensive course on pain management that meets the educational objectives of M.G.L. c. 94C, s. 18(e). Courses include but are not limited to the following:
- The Massachusetts Society of Optometrists (MSO) course MSO 2024 Fall CE | MSO (aoa.org)
- Boston University School of Medicine educational program entitled Safe and Effective Opioid Prescribing for Chronic Pain
- COPE or Board approved courses in pain management and opioid training
Successful completion of pain management training may be credited toward the 18 continuing education hours required for renewal of an optometrist license.
PLEASE NOTE: Completion of education in prescriber training does not authorize optometrists to prescribe schedule II medications. TPA+GC optometrists are prohibited from prescribing “an opioid substance or drug product” M.G.L. c. 112, s. 66C (a).
For more information, please contact board staff at optometry@mass.gov.