Colorado to Consider New Pain Management Guidelines

Colorado's Workers' Compensation Division is considering a number of changes to its prescribing guidelines. Learn more about the changes and the reasons behind them.

2012-01-13

January 13, 2012 (Press-News.org) In an effort to reduce the number of injured workers addicted to pain medications, Colorado's Workers' Compensation Division is considering a number of changes to its prescribing guidelines. The proposed changes stem from the federal government's concerns of a public health epidemic based on larger (and more frequent) doses of painkillers prescribed by doctors. According to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the milligram-per-person use of prescription opioids increased dramatically between 1997 and 2007.

The state of Washington recently changed its prescribing guidelines, and analysts believe that other states will follow suit. According to a report by businessinsurance.com, doctors in Washington may not increase opioid doses beyond an average daily morphine equivalent of 120 milligrams when a patient does not demonstrate improved functionality and decreased pain at lower doses or without first consulting with a pain management expert. Officials believe that this protocol will curb addictions and save lives.

Colorado's workers' comp chronic pain prescription guidelines require that claimants' urine be tested to ensure they are not diverting painkillers. However, the guidelines do not include any a specific opioid dosage that would call for additional prescribing precautions. It is anticipated that the new guidelines will suggest a dose at which doctors should be particularly cautious. Many medical experts believe that patients are at risk when opioid dosages exceed 120 milligrams per day. When dosage amounts reach these levels, prescription writers should consult other doctors, or a pain specialist, so that a consensus can be reached about prospective risks.

While the new guidelines may not be enforceable as law, they serve to further protect injured workers. If you have questions about how the new guidelines may affect your workers' comp benefits, contact an attorney.

Article provided by The Law Firm of Janice M. Greening, LLC
Visit us at www.greening-law.com

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Colorado to Consider New Pain Management Guidelines

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