Mobilizing nurses to address the opioid misuse epidemic

Abstract

Background: The opioid epidemic is a major health challenge in the United States.

Purpose: Members from the American Academy of Nursing joined to write a consensus paper about nurses' role in the opioid epidemic.

Methods: The panel reviewed the history of the opioid epidemic and policies to care for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and how registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice nurses (APRNs) could increase care for people with OUD.

Discussion: Recommendations are presented to advance policies that empower RNs and APRNs to abate the opioid epidemic.

Conclusion: Recommendations include (a) advance legislation that supports RNs and APRNs full scope of practice and expands professional role in pain management and addiction prevention; (b) evaluate effective policies that promote RN and APRN care; support federal elimination of X-waiver with state law alignment; (c) sustain the use of nurses in telemedicine; (d) support nursing research on nurse involvement in all aspects of OUD.

Keywords: Opioid epidemic; Opioid use disorder; Scope of nursing practice.