Madison, WI – The inappropriate use of opioids in the treatment of work injuries has devastated the lives of many injured workers, frequently leading to extremely poor medical outcomes, including death, and contributing to rising medical costs throughout the United States. Recognizing a need to identify policy options and possible regulatory solutions to address this complex problem, the IAIABC has developed the resource, Reducing Inappropriate Opioid Use in Treatment of Injured Workers: A Policy Guide. The publication is a guide for policymakers and administrators who are interested in implementing policy solutions to reduce inappropriate use of opioids in the workers’ compensation system.
The Policy Guide discusses ten recommendations that jurisdictions should consider when evaluating legislative, regulatory, or administrative policies related to opioid prescribing practices. Practices and strategies recently implemented by workers’ compensation agencies across the country informed the recommendations, which were developed under the guidance of a diverse coalition of policymakers, agency administrators, medical practitioners, industry leaders, and other experts.
The guide stresses the complex nature of this challenge and recognizes that each jurisdiction will have different legal constraints and political realities that must be considered. “The development of this publication required countless hours of discussion, research, and review by many. The IAIABC is proud of the consensus reached by the Medical Issues Committee and the Executive Committee,” commented Christine Baker, President, IAIABC and Director, California Department of Industrial Relations. Ms. Baker further added, “Jurisdictional leaders will find the content informative, balanced, and practical.”
The Policy Guide offers thoughtful discussion on policy options related to treatment guidelines, monitoring patients, physician documentation, continuing education requirements, prescription drug monitoring programs, and many other topics. In addition, it includes a listing of state and industry resources that provide further guidance on this important issue. The appendix also includes an index of current state initiatives and policies related to opioids in the workers’ compensation system.
The guide is available free of charge here: IAIABC: Reducing Inappropriate Opioid Use in Treatment of Injured Workers: A Policy Guide
The IAIABC is fully committed to addressing this issue and will continue to share research, resources, and strategies as organizations find success in combating this epidemic.
Source: IAIABC