Newswise — SAVANNAH, GA (Oct. 28, 2014) – The National Association of State Controlled Substances Authorities (NASCSA) formally endorsed the Federation of State Medical Boards’ (FSMB) "Model Policy on the Use of Opioid Analgesics in the Treatment of Chronic Pain" by unanimous vote during its annual meeting in Savannah last week. NASCSA provides an educational forum through which state and federal agencies and others work to increase the effectiveness of efforts to prevent and control drug diversion and abuse.
The FSMB adopted the Model Policy in 2013, completing a comprehensive review of its longstanding "Model Policy for the Use of Controlled Substances for Pain." First developed in 1998 and revised in 2004, the updated FSMB policy is intended as a resource for use by state medical boards in educating their licensees about cautious and responsible prescribing of controlled substances, while providing guidelines to help avoid the overtreatment or under-treatment of patients with pain. Significant revisions to the 2004 Model Policy include:
• Updated background information on the risks of prescribing, reflecting new research;• New measures for evaluation and screening aimed at helping reduce risk; and• Guidelines to help ensure physicians who prescribe opioids do so in full compliance with state and federal regulations, accepted best clinical practices, and in a manner that is safe and reduces risk.
“The FSMB appreciates the endorsement by the National Association of State Controlled Substances Authorities of our new model policy as our organizations work together to prevent drug diversion and abuse,” said Humayun Chaudhry, DO, FSMB President and CEO.
Since the last revision of the Model Policy in 2004, a significant body of research and experience has accrued, providing new insights into the risks of opioid prescribing. To develop the new policy, the FSMB, in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), brought together experts in pain management, pharmacology, psychiatry, public health, medical regulation and other disciplines.
The workgroup examined new scientific research and public policy on opioids as a part of its review to ensure the policy was consistent with emerging medical insights regarding pain management and the use of controlled substances. The FSMB’s new policy acknowledges that evidence for the risks associated with opioids has surged, while evidence for benefits of long-term opioid use has remained insufficient. At the same time, however, it recognizes that chronic pain continues to be a major problem in the United States and that under-treatment of pain is a serious public health issue.
Expanded edition of "Responsible Opioid Prescribing: A Clinician’s Guide" releasedIn a related effort, the Federation of State Medical Boards Foundation recently published an updated and expanded edition of “Responsible Opioid Prescribing: A Clinician's Guide,” which offers clinicians a clear safety orientation with steps for prescribers that are expected by state and federal regulators for vigilant practice around using, discontinuing or avoiding opioids for their patients in pain. The 2014 edition, which is accredited for up to 7.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, includes new information on the influential model guidelines adopted by the FSMB in 2013, FDA labeling and previously unavailable information on the prevention of opioid overdose.
For more information, please visit www.fsmb.org.
About the Federation of State Medical BoardsThe FSMB is a national non-profit organization representing all medical boards within the United States and its territories that license and discipline allopathic and osteopathic physicians and, in some jurisdictions, other health care professionals. It assists these state and territorial medical boards as they go about their mandate of protecting the public’s health, safety and welfare. The FSMB leads by promoting excellence in medical practice, licensure, and regulation. For more information, please visit www.fsmb.org.
RSS