Here are six things to know:
1. In 2017, more than 17,000 workers filed compensation claims in Pennsylvania. The state ranks third highest in the nation for injured workers who become long-term opioid users.
2. The new guidelines recommend physicians to prescribe up to 3,000 milligrams of over-the-counter pain relievers for injured workers.
3. More serious injuries can be treated with short-term, opioid alternative muscle relaxant drugs.
4. Other treatments outlined in the legislature include ice therapy, physical therapy and chiropractic care.
5. The guidelines instruct emergency rooms physicians to prescribe no more than 72 hours of opioids to patients and only when necessary.
6. The prescribing guidelines are note legally binding, but meant as suggestions for the health community.
More articles on opioids:
1 in 10 children prescribed opioids for pain in Tennessee, study finds
This state leads the US in driving down opioid prescriptions, says BCBS report
3 ways art therapy helps pain management
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