A new Michigan law protecting patients by limiting opioid prescriptions for acute pain to a 7-day supply took effect Sunday, Lt. Gov. Brian Calley noted.
This change is part of a legislative package signed by Calley in December 2017 to combat the opioid epidemic. Public Act 251 specifically limits an acute pain prescription to a 7-day supply within a 7-day period.
“Protecting patients from addiction and overdose risk is the purpose of all of the reforms we enacted,” Calley said. “By limiting exposure to potentially addictive medications, we are reducing the likelihood that someone will become addicted or potentially overdose. These efforts are also spurring conversations between physicians and patients on how to treat acute pain in the safest and most effective manner.”
Recent reforms that have already taken effect require prescribers to register with the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS) prior to prescribing or dispensing schedules 2-5 controlled substances. In addition to registering, prescribers must also review MAPS before prescribing or dispensing a schedule 2-5 controlled substance to a patient in a quantity that exceeds a 3-day supply.
MAPS – which was fully replaced in April 2017 – provides prescribers with a user-friendly portal, making it more efficient for practitioners to obtain information of controlled substances and schedule 2-5 drugs that have been dispensed to patients.
“The new laws signed by Lt. Governor Calley have strengthened our efforts to combat the opioid epidemic,” said Kim Gaedeke, deputy director of the Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). “The MAPS requirements combined with new patient protection measures will help us to better prevent and address substance use disorder in Michigan.”
Additionally, health care providers are now required to counsel patients on the risks of opioids before prescribing and complete an informative “Start Talking” form when prescribing an opioid to patients.
The state is using every available tool to combat the national opioid epidemic. The collaborative efforts of state agencies amplifies Michigan’s efforts related to prevention and treatment of patients, education of health professionals, and enforcement of over-prescribers.
MAPS is administered by LARA. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provides resources for patients, health professionals and communities related to prevention and treatment of opioid abuse. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality assists individuals with proper drug disposal of unwanted prescription medications. All Michigan State Police posts serve as prescription drug take-back sites and operate the Angel Program for individuals struggling with drug addiction. The efforts of state agencies are advised by the Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Commission which is made up of health professionals, law enforcement officers, substance abuse treatment providers, government officials, and residents.
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