What is a D.O? We are glad you asked... There are only two kinds of physicians qualified to be licensed for the unlimited practice of medicine in all 50 states: those holding the M.D. degree, and those who have earned the D.O.-Doctor of Osteopathic medicine-degree. Osteopathic physicians perform surgery, deliver babies, and prescribe medicine in hospitals and clinics across the nation. Whether they are family doctors or specialists, D.O.s use all the tools of modern medicine… and more. They help their patients develop attitudes and lifestyles that don't just fight illness, but prevent it. They give special attention to how the body's nerves, muscles, bones, and organs work together to influence health. And, through osteopathic manipulative treatment, they can use their hands to diagnose injury and illness… and encourage the body's natural ability to heal itself. These ”extra touches” distinguish the D.O.s whole-person philosophy of medicine. It's a century-old tradition of caring for people, not just treating symptoms. | Upcoming Events |
VSAOPS NEWS...
Licensing Renewal Coming Up September 2022. Here is pertinent information you should know: You are required to have 30 hours of CME per license cycle, of which 40% must be osteopathic specific (OPR has interpreted this to mean 12 CME hours of osteopathic medical education.). The only specific topic required is 2 hours of opioid prescribing education (there is no requirement for OPR licensees on pain management/palliative care – that is only for Board of Medical Practice licensees). Vermont Statute on Osteopathy (c) As a condition of renewal a licensee shall complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing medical education, approved by the Board by rule, during the preceding two-year period. At least 40 percent of these hours must be osteopathic medical education. https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/26/033/01836 Administrative Rules of The Board of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons – May 2015 3.6 A licensee must notify the office within 30 days of any Continuing Medical Education Requirements (a) With the first renewal application after two years of licensure, and with each subsequent renewal application, documentation of 30 hours of acceptable continuing education is required. Only continuing education taken within two years of the renewal date is counted. 26 V.S.A § 1836 sets the number of continuing education hours which must be osteopathic in nature. (b) “Continuing medical education” means the direct participation in a structured educational or supervisory program directly related to competency in medicine or protection of patients from harm, or both. (c) Continuing medical education hours are calculated in the following manner: (1) one quarter college credit equals ten continuing medical education hours. (2) one semester college credit equals fifteen continuing medical education hours. (d) Credit will be granted only for actual time spent as a learner. Breaks, business meetings, and lunches are not to be counted toward continuing education credits. (e) The Board requires continuing education which is approved by the AOA or a successor or equivalent organization approved by the Board. https://sos.vermont.gov/media/1malbewh/3-osteo-rules-final-filed-clean.pdf Opioid Prescribing Rule regarding Controlled Substances CE Effective with the passage in Act 173 (2016), Sec. 9, Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) licensees with a registration number from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), or who have a pending application for a DEA number, or who dispense controlled substances, shall complete at least two hours of continuing education as a condition of license renewal, on the topics of:•the abuse and diversion, safe use, and appropriate storage and disposal of controlled substances;•the appropriate use of the Vermont Prescription Monitoring System;•risk assessment for abuse or addiction;•pharmacological and nonpharmacological alternatives to opioids for managing pain;•medication tapering and cessation of the use of controlled substances; and,•relevant State and federal laws and regulations concerning the prescription of opioid controlled substance. https://cms.sec.state.vt.us:8443/share/s/LHiLej-6SQGfA6XRUTWTnw
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