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More states line up to adopt opioid limits

Posted On: Apr. 4, 2017 1:50 PM CST

More states line up to adopt opioid limits

Delaware has just joined the ranks of other states that have posed limits on first-time opioid prescriptions, and Ohio is on its way to following suit.

As of Saturday, first-time opiate prescriptions for acute cases in Delaware may not exceed a one week supply under the new rules. If further opiate prescriptions are deemed necessary, further action is required, including a physical exam with discussion of relevant patient history and the risks of opiates, and a check of the statewide Prescription Monitoring Program database.

In Ohio, the state Board of Pharmacy is now considering rules proposed by Gov. John Kasich last week. The proposal calls for a seven-day limit on first-time prescriptions and will require doctors to include a diagnosis or procedure code on every controlled substance prescription, which will be entered into the state’s prescription monitoring program. 

This year, both Pennsylvania and New Jersey adopted limits on first-time prescriptions for opioids, at seven day and five days, respectively.

Workers comp experts have said all opioid regulations will apply to injured workers.