P&T Committee Recommends Capping Opioid Dosages for Special Fill, Post-Surgery

A panel that advises the California Division of Workers' Compensation on evidence-based changes to the drug formulary has recommended clarifying what constitutes a four-day supply of opioids that can be prescribed without prospective review immediately following an injury or in the period immediately before and after surgery. The formulary designates drugs as "exempt," meaning they can be prescribed without prospective review, and "non-exempt," which require prospective review before they can be prescribed. Opioids are designated non-exempt, but the DWC's rule...