Press Release

FEDERATION OF STATE MEDICAL BOARDS ADOPTS POLICY REGARDING SCREENING AND BRIEF INTERVENTION

ONDCP applauds efforts to educate on critical issues

(Washington, DC)—On Saturday, May 5, 2007, the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) adopted a policy statement at their annual meeting to develop methods and/or modules of information to be used to educate medical students, residents and practicing physicians regarding the identification of substance use disorders, brief intervention and the proper prescribing of controlled substances.

"Substance abuse is one of our Nation's most significant public health challenges. Steps forward, such as FSMB's policy statement, help to curb the destructive effects drug abuse can have on our families and communities," said White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Deputy Director for Demand Reduction, Dr. Bertha Madras. "Screening and brief intervention helps to diagnose and treat substance abuse before it becomes a serious problem, stopping the pipeline to addiction. This is a critical opportunity to intervene."

"For over a decade, policy development and education regarding the appropriate and responsible prescribing of controlled substances have been a priority for the FSMB," said James N. Thompson, M.D., president and CEO of the FSMB. "FSMB policy emphasizes the need to assess patients for substance use disorders and expanding our educational efforts to medical students and residents about these issues complement other FSMB initiatives."

Today there are over 20 million Americans who meet the medical definition of abuse or addiction to drugs and alcohol. Over 94 percent of those Americans are unaware that they need help and have not sought treatment or intervention from health care professionals.

The Federal government has established a demonstration program entitled "Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment" (SBIRT). This program has begun screening and providing brief interventions in hospitals, primary care settings, colleges, and tribal communities. To date, Federally funded SBIRT programs have been established in 17 states, and half a million patients have been screened to date as part of the demonstration program. Patients show significant declines in abuse after the brief interventions.

The Federation of State Medical Boards is a national not-for-profit organization representing the 70 medical boards of the United States and its territories, including 14 state boards of osteopathic medicine. Their mission is continual improvement in the quality, safety, and integrity of health care through the development and promotion of high standards for physician licensure and practice.

For more information about SBORT, visit http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/treat/screen_brief_intv.html