NEW YORK – Amid a crisis of painkiller deaths, the state of New York passed a law limiting the prescription of opioids to seven days.
According to the CDC, Illinois is one of the 18 states with the highest increase in drug overdose cases, with an 8.3% increase from 2013 to 2014.
Medications that fall within this class include hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin), oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet), morphine (e.g., Kadian, Avinza), codeine, and related drugs. Hydrocodone products are the most commonly prescribed for a variety of painful conditions, including dental and injury-related pain. Morphine is often used before and after surgical procedures to alleviate severe pain. Codeine, on the other hand, is often prescribed for mild pain.
The law, effective in 30 days, limits initial prescriptions for acute pain to seven days, down from 30 days, with refills or renewals after further consultations. There are exceptions for chronic pain and hospice and palliative care.
New York's new law also requires insurers to cover necessary inpatient services in their networks for detoxification and rehabilitation without pre-authorization or utilization review during the first 14 days of inpatient treatment, provided the company is notified within 48 hours of admission.
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