NACDS Supports New Public Policy to Bolster Opioid Abuse Solutions
In a letter (https://www.nacds.org/pdfs/government/2017/10-24-17-OpioidPolicyLetter-NACDS.pdf) to President
* "These four integrated public policy strategies would further reduce the volume of unneeded and unused opioid medications entering the public domain, and reduce the chances that they fall into the wrong hands - while taking into account the needs of those most severely affected by chronic pain as a result of cancer and other serious illnesses," said NACDS President and CEO
The four new public recommendations include:
* Legislate a seven-day supply limit for initial opioid prescriptions issued for acute pain.
This limit is consistent with the
* Legislate a requirement that all prescriptions be issued electronically, with limited exceptions.
E-prescribing enhances security and curbs fraud, waste and abuse.
* Create a national prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) through collaboration.
Most states use data to help identify and prevent drug abuse and diversion, but program variances limit their effectiveness. It is necessary to harmonize state requirements for reporting and accessing PDMP data, and to create one system with unified expectations by healthcare providers and law enforcement. A national PDMP would leverage e-prescribing to provide guidance for prescribers and dispensers in real-time when providing patient care.
* Provide manufacturer-funded mail-back envelopes for unused opioid drugs, available to patients at pharmacies upon request.
Currently, many pharmacies offer disposal programs as appropriate by community and by store. A program featuring mail-back envelopes provides an option that is universally workable. State legislation could facilitate a mail-back program. Educational materials also are in use, and could be expanded in appropriate ways.
The new proposals complement existing pharmacy initiatives, and build on prior comments submitted to the President's
NACDS' letter also focused on the need to stop the flow of synthetic opioids entering
"As public health authorities have indicated, face-to-face interactions between pharmacists and patients have made pharmacists keenly aware of the extreme challenges and complexities associated with this epidemic," Anderson wrote in the letter. "Based on this first-hand experience and our commitment to the patients and communities we serve, NACDS remains steadfast in our efforts to partner with law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and others to work on viable strategies to prevent prescription drug diversion and abuse, including prescription opioids. Chain pharmacies engage daily in activities with the goal of preventing drug diversion and abuse."
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