Are there any laws governing the prescribing of opioids?

Yes, in Washington, there are laws governing the prescribing of opioids. In 2007, the Washington State Legislature passed a law that required healthcare providers to complete a special four-hour course on opioid prescribing before they can legally prescribe opioids. This law also requires healthcare providers to pursue an agreement with each patient who they are treating with opioids. This agreement allows the patient and the healthcare provider to create a plan for pain management and to discuss the risks associated with opioid use. In addition to this law, in 2017, the Washington State Legislature passed a new law which limits the amount of opioids a healthcare provider can prescribe to a patient. This law limits the amount of opioids to a seven-day supply of Schedule II opioids unless otherwise prescribed by a specialist. This law also requires healthcare providers to update and review the patient’s medical record prior to prescribing opioids for a third consecutive month. Finally, in 2018, the Washington State Legislature passed a law which requires healthcare providers to use the Washington Prescription Monitoring Program when prescribing opioids or other controlled substances to a patient. This law requires healthcare providers to consult the Washington Prescription Monitoring Program before they prescribe opioids. This helps healthcare providers to avoid prescribing opioids to those who may be abusing the drugs or have an addiction to them.

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Are there any laws governing the prescribing of opioids?

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