New Opioid Pain Medication Legislation

Opioid Pain Medication Legislation

Effective on July 1st, 2018, the state of Florida enacted new legislation regarding the prescribing of opioid pain medication to help reduce the amount of unnecessary opioid prescriptions and to assist in the recovery efforts of patients with addiction to opioid pills. Millennium Physician Group is here to help you understand this new law and how this may affect your future care.

How Does This Affect Me?

Under the new law, providers are authorized to order opioid pain medication for a maximum 3 day period or seven days for special circumstances. The 3 or 7 day rule only applies to acute* pain not chronic nonmalignant pain. If pain persists, please contact the office for assistance.

*Acute pain is associated with surgery, trauma or an acute illness.

Can I Still Get My Medication For Chronic or Terminal Conditions?

The new law does not apply to patients in the treatment of cancer, terminal condition, palliative care, chronic pain or a traumatic injury. Please note you should see “non-acute pain” listed on your prescription for opioid pain medications that are prescribed for more than 3 or 7 days. This will notify the pharmacist that your diagnosis is confirmed from the physician and they are permitted to dispense the medication.

What If My Condition Doesn’t Improve After Three Days?

If you are not feeling better after three days of the prescribed medication, can your primary-care provider to develop a new care plan.

Questions or Concerns?

For more information regarding the new legislation, call the Florida Department of Health at: 850-245-4444