Health Department Releases Opioid Prescribing Guidelines

The Vermont Department of Health has released rules governing the prescribing of opioids after more than 25 meetings and conference calls with stakeholders. The rules affect all prescribers, not just those who treat injured workers covered by workers’ compensation. The new rules require prescribers to first consider non-pharmacological treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, acupuncture, osteopathic manipulative treatment, chiropractic treatment and physical therapy. Prescribers also must check the Vermont Prescription Monitoring System, provide patient...