As of 2022, the POATSP education and training pathway is no longer required but strongly recommended for physicians and nurse practitioners wanting to only prescribe buprenorphine/naloxone for opioid use disorder.
The POATSP online course and workbook contain content on extended-release buprenorphine, which may be part of the preceptorship learning experience. However, exposure to this medication is not required to complete the preceptorship. In addition to completing POATSP, clinicians who intend to prescribe extended-release buprenorphine must also complete the mandatory certification course offered by the product manufacturer, Indivior, as required by Health Canada. This brief course, with Canadian enrolment available here, must be completed before prescribing.
Organizations may have additional required education or organizational policies in place around prescribing extended-release buprenorphine, and it’s the responsibility of the individual practitioner to observe any organizational policies.
Optional resources:
Learning supplement for RN/RPNs (available by emailing bccsu_education@bccsu.ubc.ca)
❗Note: CP-OUD RNs/RPNs may also have additional requirements or limitations set by their employer.
Education on prescribed alternatives (PA) to the toxic drug supply is not part of the POATSP education and training. In your practice, you may or may not prescribe pharmaceutical alternatives. While discussion or observation of PA prescribing can enhance the learning experience for POATSP learners, it’s not required to complete the training. Physicians and nurse practitioners who intend to prescribe PA should follow the BCCSU’s Interim Clinical Resource: Transition to Witnessed Dosing for Prescribed Alternatives.
❗Note: CP-OUD RNs/RPNs cannot prescribe PA. For clients receiving both OAT and PA, RNs/RPNs can prescribe OAT after consultation with an MD/NP, but must refer to an MD/NP for any PA prescriptions.
The POATSP preceptorship may be completed in an acute care setting, and a dedicated workbook is available for acute care MDs and NPs. Completion of POATSP is required to initiate methadone for OUD in hospital settings. Prescribing methadone (for any indication) or other OAT (SROM, buprenorphine/naloxone) in a hospital falls under the jurisdiction of the Health Authority and hospital-specific policies. Most hospitals have policies to ensure continuity of care and prevent unnecessary withdrawal, particularly for the continuation of OAT.
RN/RPN learners are encouraged to complete their preceptorships in outpatient or community programs. Available education and training resources are tailored for the community setting. If preceptorship time in an acute setting is needed, please contact bccsu_education@bccsu.ubc.ca
CP-OUD RNs and RPNs:
Are not currently authorized to prescribe OAT for patients admitted in acute care settings
May write community discharge prescriptions
iOAT training is available to MD and NP learners who have completed the full POATSP training pathway. Eligible learners must bring a separate iOAT workbook and complete four additional hours of in-person preceptorship with an approved iOAT preceptor. A separate iOAT preceptor contact list is available.