The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seeks comment on a draft guideline to help providers appropriately prescribe opioids for patients with chronic pain.
Existing recommendations vary, but this new, non-binding guidance gives providers more clarity on the best ways to prescribe opioids to patients outside of cancer and palliative care. CDC has published the guidance for a 30-day review and comment period. Comments are due Jan. 13.
Addressing opioid abuse and overdose is a priority for the Obama administration. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy has announced a series of community forums, beginning Dec. 16, in Oklahoma. These forums will continue the discussion about public- and private-sector efforts to address the opioid overdose epidemic.
Contact Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
