The Office of Constituent Engagement told me “It is important to note that language and features of the Opioid Epidemic Act were specifically designed to protect individuals with chronic pain”.
The email continued to say “The 5-day first fill limit does not apply to chronic pain patients already working on a pain management program”.
“Additionally, opioid dosage limits of 90MME day do not apply to individuals currently receiving a dose in excess of this amount”. "There is no requirement that individuals who take prescriptions above 90 MME taper down to a lower dose".
His office also included a link to information for patients including the full text of the Opioid Epidemic Act at: https://azgovernor.gov/sites/
And a PDF poster for physicians on how the plan
protects chronic pain sufferers at https://azgovernor.gov/sites/
I thank the Governor Ducey's Office and the legislature for trying to protect pain patients. But the Opioid Epidemic Act was written with stopping abuse in mind, not patients. It was designed to stop abuse, but has left pain patients suffering, and heroin cheaper and easier to get for addicts.
The Opioid Epidemic Act has a section on Prescriber Education that said, The Problem was many clinicians were trained at a time when the medical community was taught that prescription opioids were not addictive.
NOTE: I can't think of any high school kid, let alone a physician who didn't know then or now that opioids (heroin) is addictive. Any Physician who would believe a drug company sales rep that all of a sudden opioids stopped being addictive should not be in practice.
The Opioid Epidemic Act goes on to say, "since then, research has clearly proven that to be false. Training and updated education is essential for prescriber's to practice safe prescribing practices and identify substance abuse or drug dependence, but is not currently required by state law".
NOTE: I don't agree with the wording they use in this section of the Opioid Epidemic Act. It isn't specific in the wording on "drug dependence".
Its important to understand the difference between Physical Dependence and Psychological Dependence. PLEASE Don't confuse Physical Dependence with Psychological Dependence or Addiction.
Physical
Dependence
is when your body builds a dependence on a specific medication (opioid). If the medication is abruptly stopped withdrawal symptoms will start. ALL Patients will be physically dependent on an opioid if taken for more than a few weeks.
Psychological Dependence is similar to addiction but may occur with or
without physical dependence and is
conceptually characterized by impaired control over drug use, compulsive use,
continued use despite harm, and craving for the psychic effects of the drug.
Addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiologic disease, with genetic,
psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and
manifestations. It is characterized by behaviors that include one or more of
the following: impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, continued use
despite harm, and craving.
The Solution Codify the governor’s call for the medical licensing board to require at least three hours of opioid-related Continuing Medical Education (CME) for doctors who are licensed to prescribe opioids.
Require medical students to receive three hours of opioid related courses to ensure they are equipped with the most current information about prescribing opioids.
The Opioid Epidemic Act has provisions to protect patients, but physicians simply ignore the protections out of fear. This leaves patients suffering and patients no recourse except to file a complaint with the medical board. That works well, It's been a year since I filed a complaint and no end yet... A year?
It is only a bill ..its not the law. Duceys bill hasnt been signed or voted on by congress or senate. Definately not,signed by the POTUS..
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