Are there any laws governing the prescribing of opioids?
Yes, California has laws governing the prescribing of opioids. The California Opioid Safety Network (COSN) was established in 2018 to create statewide policies on opioid prescribing. The COSN works with numerous organizations in the health care and patient communities to develop evidence-based policies to reduce opioid misuse. The California Board of Pharmacy enforces laws related to opioid prescriptions. This includes requiring that any prescriber must adhere to the limitations in the California Business and Professions Code and in the California Health and Safety Code. For example, if a health care professional wishes to prescribe an opioid for a patient, the following must be considered: • The opioid must be necessary to treat the patient’s condition • The opioid must be prescribed according to current medical standards • The amount of the opioid prescribed must be in accordance with the patient’s needs • The prescriber must document the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan In addition, the California Department of Public Health has developed a one-hour continuing education course that is required for all prescribers to take in order to renew their medical license. This course provides information about the potential risks of opioid and opioid-related drugs, as well as patient management guidelines for prescribing and dispensing opioids. By following the guidelines, physicians and other health care professionals can ensure that opioids are used safely and responsibly for the treatment of patients in California.
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