Understanding Opioid Abuse from the Veterinary Perspective (WWV 2025)

Presented by: Lance Roasa (Founder & Principal Attorney, Roasa Law Group)

Session Description:
1. Describe the role of veterinarians in the opioid crisis and the intersection of animal health, public health, and controlled substance regulation.

2. Identify the federal and state regulatory requirements for opioid use in veterinary medicine, including DEA registration, record-keeping, and storage mandates.

3. Recognize red flags for potential diversion and abuse, including client behaviors and prescribing patterns that warrant concern.

4. Apply best practices for risk mitigation, including secure handling, thorough documentation, and staff training protocols.

5. Educate clients effectively on safe administration, storage, and disposal of opioid medications.

6. Incorporate multimodal pain management strategies to reduce reliance on opioids in veterinary practice.

7. Respond appropriately to suspicious activity, including communication with colleagues and reporting requirements.