A Joint Forum on Controlled Substances and Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Access

Healthcare practitioners involved in prescribing or dispensing prescribed medications are invited to join an educational forum aimed at addressing the clinical and practical challenges practitioners and patients face in accessing medications including medications for opioid use disorder and other controlled substances used to manage pain. The forum brings state agencies, regulators, practitioners and consumer advocates together to not only address challenges, but to come together to explore opportunities and solutions.

DATE	December 17, 2025
TIME	8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION	California State University, Sacramento
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Registration link is forthcoming. Further details will be provided after registering for the event.

MORE ABOUT THE EVENT

The forum will provide vital information on the current legal requirements for prescribing and dispensing controlled substances, with a focus on balancing compliance with the law while ensuring appropriate patient access to necessary treatments. Through presentations and interactive discussion, the forum will explore the real-world challenges faced by health care providers in supporting patients with complex pain management and substance use disorder needs.

Topics to be addressed include:

• Legal and regulatory requirements governing controlled substances
• Communication and collaboration between prescribers and dispensers
• Reducing stigma and barriers to care for patients with chronic pain or substance use disorder.

This event is coordinated by the following boards under the California Department of Consumer Affairs: Board of Pharmacy, Board of Registered Nursing, Physician Assistant Board, Medical Board of California, Osteopathic Medical Board of California and the Dental Board of California.