Study Finds Low Compliance with Opioid Treatment Guidelines

By Bill Kidd, Central Bureau ChiefA report released Tuesday by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) says that despite the increased attention on opioid misuse as a major public health concern, many physicians are not following recommended guidelines when treating injured workers.The guidelines are intended to prevent dependence or addiction, and possible overdose deaths, but compliance with the guidelines is "relatively low" in most states, WCRI Executive Director Richard Victor said.WCRI's 21-state study, "Longer-Term Use of Opioids," which was released Tuesday, found that o...