Florida's State Efforts in Fighting the Opioid Epidemic in America

Florida's State Efforts in Fighting the Opioid Epidemic in America

Florida's State Efforts in Fighting the Opioid Epidemic in America

Florida is a perfect example of how at the state level, efforts are being made to address the opioid epidemic. In Florida, a new law went into effect that limits prescriptions for acute pain and holds those prescribing opioids more accountable. For example, anyone who is prescribed a schedule II opioid, which includes Vicodin, Dilaudid, Demerol, OxyContin, and Fentanyl, for acute pain should only be prescribed a three-day supply. If the prescriber feels more than a three-day supply is medically necessary, a seven-day supply can be prescribed. However, the prescription will need to indicate "acute pain exception" and the patient's record will need to include documentation of the acute condition and a lack of alternative treatment that justifies the seven-day supply.

This new law will also require healthcare providers prescribing or dispensing controlled substances to first check a patient's history in the Florida PDMP. Other states also have a PDMP and more will be requiring its use. Find your state's PDMP here.

The requirement of checking a PDMP often leads to questions. For example, is checking the PDMP permissible under HIPAA and state laws?

Under both HIPAA and state law, the use of the PDMP is allowed. In other words, while the information is subject to HIPAA requirements, access to a patient's prescription history in their PDMP is authorized by HIPAA.

2018 continues to be a year focused on battling the opioid crisis. HCP is now offering a new Opioid Crisis Training Course. Our training course will answer the following questions and more!

  • How did the opioid crisis begin?
  • How do opioids work?
  • What are the signs of an overdose?
  • What are the signs of an addiction?
  • What treatments should be used?
  • What response is being done at the federal and state levels?
  • Is there a guideline for prescribing opioids?

Are you interested in adding the Opioid Crisis Training to your compliance program? Please contact us by email: support@hcp.md or by phone: 855-427-0427.