Court Says Board Properly Directed Worker to Begin Opioid Weaning Program

A New York appellate court ruled that a worker with a long history of opioid medication use needs to begin a weaning program. Case: Matter of Forte v. Muccini, No. 529286, 03/16/2020, published. Facts and procedural history: Chris Forte injured his back while working for Ernest Muccini at an automotive body repair shop. Forte established a claim for an occupational disease of the back, resulting in a permanent partial disability with a June 1, 2003, date of disablement. Forte underwent back surgery in 2005 and was prescribed narcotic medications for pain. In the years that followed, F...