On Tuesday, March 15, 2016, the Centers for Disease Control released guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain. The Centers for Disease Control guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain will help primary care providers ensure the safest and most effective treatment for their patients.

“By better informing and guiding prescribers, these guidelines will not only provide a strong framework for providers, but they will also improve the access to opioids for patients for whom they are the best choice,” said Olens.

Among the 12 recommendations in the guidelines, three principles are key to improving patient care:

*Non-opioid therapy is preferred for chronic pain outside of active cancer, palliative, and end-of-life care.
*When opioids are used, the lowest possible effective dosage should be prescribed to reduce risks of opioid use disorder and overdose.
*Providers should always exercise caution when prescribing opioids and monitor all patients closely.

Attorney General Olens along with 36 Attorneys General signed a letter of support earlier this year urging for speedy adoption of the proposed guidelines.

The proposed guidelines can be accessed below:

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/rr/rr6501e1er.htm?s_cid=rr6501e1er_w

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