A new rule from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) taking effect Oct. 6 reclassifies hydrocodone combination products as Schedule II controlled substances, establishing restrictions that will require considerable changes to prescribing practices.

SANDUSKY – Serving Our Seniors, a non-profit adult advocacy group, will host a state-wide symposium: “Understanding Financial Elder Abuse: the Crime, the Shame and the Solution.” The event will be 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Kalahari Convention Center, 7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky.

As of September 17th, Ohio law requires a “Start Talking!” consent form for prescribing opioids to minors before a prescriber issues the first prescription containing an opioid to a minor, unless it is a medical emergency or a specific exception applies.

The Nursing, Medical, and Pharmacy Boards originally issued a joint policy regulatory statement in April 2013 endorsing the prescription of naloxone (Narcan™) to those individuals at high-risk for opioid drug overdose. The purpose of the statement is to promote wider utilization of naloxone for high-risk individuals by educating prescribers on the proper use of naloxone.

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced September 3 that DoD will now consider service-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) when considering a veteran’s petition to upgrade their discharge status. The policy applies to veterans of any era who received a less than honorable discharge from service and received a subsequent documented PTSD diagnosis.

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced September 3 that DoD will now consider service-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) when considering a veteran’s petition to upgrade their discharge status. The policy applies to veterans of any era who received a less than honorable discharge from service and received a subsequent documented PTSD diagnosis.

September 27 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the event provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means for disposing prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. To find a collection site close to you, go to http://1.usa.gov/1tAbnxS.  

  Doctors Hospital Nelsonville will officially stop admitting patients effective October 15. OhioHealth had announced this summer that inpatient services would cease before the end of this year as the hospital moves toward eventual closing. Hospital officials said the average daily census, which had been on the decline, was about four patients. Other services will continue, […]

The Board of Nursing meeting for Thursday, September 18, 2014 is canceled. According to Section 4723.02, ORC, the Board cannot convene a meeting without a quorum, and based on unforeseen events, there will not be a quorum to conduct business on Thursday. On Friday September 19, 2014, the Board will have a quorum and will […]

The Social Security Administration (“SSA”) will send you a letter if they deny your request for benefits. The next step is to appeal. There are four main levels of appeal: Reconsideration Hearing by and Administrative Law Judge Review by the Appeals Council Federal Court Review Once you have been denied for benefits, it may be […]