CONTINUING EDUCATION IN PAIN MANAGEMENT AND PRESCRIPTION OF OPIOIDS

(a) A physician licensed under this subtitle who submits an application for renewal of a license that designates a direct patient care practice must complete, in accordance with this section, not less than two hours of continuing medical education regarding safe and effective pain management related to the prescription of opioids and other controlled substances, including education regarding: (1) reasonable standards of care; (2) the identification of drug-seeking behavior in patients; and (3) effectively communicating with patients regarding the prescription of an opioid or other controlled substance. (b) A physician must complete the hours required by Subsection (a) in each of the first two renewal periods following the issuance of the physician's initial registration permit under this chapter, with two of those hours to be completed not later than the first anniversary of the date of issuance. (c) After the period described by Subsection (b), a physician must complete not less than two hours of continuing medical education described by Subsection (a) every eight years. (d) The hours required by this section may be completed in any continuing medical education activity approved by the board, including medical ethics or professional responsibility education, and may be counted toward the hours of continuing medical education completed to comply with Section 156.051(a)(2). (e) The hours required by this section may not be used to satisfy any education required by board rule for certified pain clinic personnel. (f) The board shall adopt rules to implement this section. (g) Notwithstanding Subsections (b) and (c), a physician who on January 1, 2021, holds a license to practice medicine under this subtitle shall complete not less than two hours of continuing medical education described by Subsection (a) in each of the two renewal periods occurring after that date. This subsection expires January 1, 2026.