I chose an article regarding a Michigan law that is requiring providers to check the states PDMP before giving opioid prescriptions to patients. This legislation will give a limit on the amount of opioids that can be prescribed for acute pain patients. A bonafide relationship between the physician and the patient must also be established before prescribing controlled substances. There will be penalties for providers who do not follow these requirements. Here is the link:

http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/michigan-law-requires-providers-check-states-pdmp-prescribing-opioids

In favor of this policy is Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley. Calley says the addiction epidemic is now ahead of car accidents regarding lives claimed. He says with this legislation will give physicians proper education before prescribing addicting meds to patients and ensure the drug history of the patient is known before prescribing.

A group of physicians, public health experts and pain patients are opposed to federal limits being placed on opioid prescriptions. Dr. Stefan Kertesz, a University of Alabama professor, says these restrictions take away the power of decision making by doctors and that this is a one size fits all approach that might not work with all patients.