National Organization of Alternative Programs Education Conference

The National Organization of Alternative Programs held their Annual Education Conference May 16th through the 19th in Orlando. Members of the UF Health Florida Recovery Center team presented at the conference.

Rachel Waters, Dr. Scott Teitelbaum, Ashley McReynolds

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse, Ashley McReynolds and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Rachel Waters kicked off the conference, presenting the first session on day one with “Caring for Caregivers, Best Practices in Teaching.” Their presentation examines why it is so important to look at the needs of nurses and other healthcare individuals in treatment differently than the general public.  

UF Health Florida Recover Center Medical Director, Scott Teitelbaum, MD presented later that day on “The Nexus Between Toxicological Possibility and Alternative Medical Explanation.” He focuses on the uncertainty that exists at the nexus between toxicological possibility and alternative medical explanation. Using a case-based approach he covers topics such as forensic history-taking; strengths/limitations of common testing matrices; specific drugs/metabolites; claims of environmental exposure; the roles of clinicians and laboratories; and the importance of collaboration between all involved parties in achieving medically credible outcomes.

The National Organization of Alternative Programs was established to promote public safety by developing alternatives to licensure discipline, promoting safe practice and retention through rehabilitation, monitoring, research education and standardization of programs; and to collaborate with other professional and consumers to achieve those outcomes.