A bill introduced in New Jersey's legislature would prohibit insurers from paying for opiate-based painkillers unless a provider completed a five-part patient-safety protocol designed to screen for addiction, reports NJ Spotlight.
The bill aims to ensure physicians prescribe opioids as a last resort. Part of the patient-safety protocol outlined includes documentation of failed drug-free pain relief methods and adherence to the CDC's guidelines to limit opiate abuse.
California and Texas passed similar bills limited to workers' compensation claims. The proposed legislation in New Jersey would also apply to commercial health plans, injury protection issued through auto insurance plans and the state's Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs.
"[The bill] will help reduce casual and inappropriate opioid prescribing," said Andrew Kolodny, MD, the executive director of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing. "And when opioids are necessary, the bill will help ensure that patients are carefully evaluated, adequately informed about opioid risks and closely monitored."
More articles on finance issues:
25 things to know about healthcare costs
Gainsharing under BPCI, CJR, EPM or any other alphabet soup
Moody's affirms Stanford Health Care's 'Aa3,' 'P-1,' 'VMIG 1' ratings