New Formulary Will Likely Change Opioid Prescribing Rules

Arkansas' new drug formulary will likely include several changes to opioid prescribing rules. The latest draft of the formulary, released Thursday, specifies that only the initial opioid prescription will be limited to five days, with all subsequent prescriptions limited to 90 days. The draft also clarifies the type of "proof of medical necessity" injured workers must provide payers in order to continue receiving opioid scripts.  If the draft is approved, this "proof" shall include:  Information about follow-up doctors' visits.  ...