Report: Chronic Pain Patients Fearful of Opioid Prescribing Restrictions

Monday, July 30, 2018 | 0

Chronic pain patients in Washington state told a Seattle-area television station they’re worried that new treatment guidelines being developed could further limit their access to opioids.

Guidelines developed by the Washington state Agency Medical Director’s Group discourage high dosages of opioids. The guidelines recommend that doctors try to wean patients off dosages exceeding the equivalent of 120 milligrams of morphine per day.

Marty Mioni told NBC affiliate KING 5 that the current guidelines are restrictive enough. Mioni has been taking opioids for 15 years to deal with pain related to a ruptured disk caused by a work injury. Mioni says she’s tried every other form of treatment available for her pain, but opioids are the only thing that works.

Earlier this year, Mioni says her doctor started tapering her oxycodone prescription, and the pills no longer mask her pain. She said she is fearful that the state will develop more restrictive guidelines that prohibit people from accessing opioids at all.

The state Department of Health is currently developing opioid prescribing rules to carry out legislation signed into law in 2017 requiring the Medical Commission, Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Commission, Dental Quality Assurance Commission and Podiatric Medical Board to develop new guidelines.

The state’s new opioid prescribing guidelines are slated for adoption later this year.

Mioni and others who talked to the television station said they agree that rules should be in place to prevent opioid abuse. But they said the rules need to allow some flexibility for chronic pain patients.