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Opioids, pain management and the law
R Scott Stayner1, David J Copenhaver
1Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, California 95817, USA.
Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology
|August 24, 2012
Summary
Physicians must navigate evolving federal and state policies for safe opioid prescribing amid a national prescription drug abuse epidemic. Staying informed ensures appropriate pain management while mitigating risks.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Public Health Policy
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic pain affects approximately 100 million Americans.
- Opioid medications are widely prescribed for pain but are frequently misused.
- Physicians face challenges balancing pain treatment with opioid misuse concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current federal and state policies governing opioid prescribing.
- To highlight the evolving standards of medical practice for opioid use.
- To address the dual challenges of undertreated pain and prescription drug abuse.
Main Methods:
- Review of national drug control policies and initiatives.
- Examination of regulatory strategies, such as Risk Evaluation and Management Strategies (REMS).
- Analysis of state-prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs).
Main Results:
- Opioid prescribing laws and policies are subject to frequent revisions.
- Initiatives like the REMS for Transmucosal Immediate-Release Fentanyl are in place.
- Physician and pharmacist participation in PDMPs varies, with ongoing funding concerns.
Conclusions:
- A critical need exists for policies addressing both pain management and prescription drug abuse.
- Clinicians must remain informed about evolving federal and state laws impacting patient care.
- Safe and appropriate care for patients in pain requires awareness of policy changes and underlying issues.
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