Rules Would Require Functional Assessment for Opioid Users

The Washington Department of Labor & Industries is proposing a rules change that will require physicians who prescribe opioids to injured workers for more than six weeks to use best practices, including monitoring whether the workers are recovering their ability to perform normal activities.L&I said the proposed rule change is part of its effort to improve the safety and effectiveness of treatment for pain among injured workers in Washington state. Nationwide, since 2007 opioid-related deaths have exceeded accidental deaths due to motor-vehicles and firearms, the department said. Washi...