Opioid Prescribing Rules to Take Effect Aug. 8

A regulation that requires doctors to check the state’s prescription drug monitoring program before prescribing opioids and sets an initial limit of a seven-day supply of opioids for acute pain will take effect in Virginia on Aug. 8. Regarding the use of opioids to treat chronic pain, the regulation spells out a nine-step evaluation process to follow before writing an opioid prescription. Doctors must discuss with the patient the known risks and benefits of opioid therapy as well as the patient’s responsibilities during treatment. The practitioner must also discuss with the patie...