Monday, January 1, 2018

New Nevada Law Caps Opioid Prescriptions At 2 Week Supply To Combat Epidemic Abuse And Deaths

Las Vegas Review-Journal
Jessie Bekker Las Vegas Review-Journal
January 1, 2018 - 1:26 am

Updated January 1, 2018 - 1:29 am

Doctors have additional protocols to consider when writing and maintaining opioid prescriptions under a new law that took effect on New Year’s Day.

The Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Act, passed by the 2017 Legislature, outlines safeguards for doctors before they prescribe controlled substances to treat pain and increases requirements necessary to continue a prescription after one month, three months and a year.

The additional paperwork is meant to curb the state’s opioid overdose problem and track down doctors who overprescribe.

“It just provides a platform by which the provider can really have an in-depth discussion with the patient as to whether the use of a controlled substance is truly necessary, or whether there are alternatives, ” said Daniel Burkhead, a pain management specialist in Las Vegas and secretary of the Clark County Medical Society, who worked with the governor’s office to roll out the law.

But some doctors worry they’ll be handcuffed under the changes.


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Thank You Mr Bekker and LVRJ


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