Getting opioids on workers comp could soon be harder
The North Carolina Industrial Commission is joining the state's battle against opioid addiction, proposing rules to make it harder to get a prescription for pain-killers when filing a workers compensation claim.
Posted — UpdatedThe commission, which handles workers comp claims, is considering nine rules that would limit the number of opioid prescriptions and encourage alternative treatments for pain, such as physical therapy and massage. The rules focus on dosage and duration of a prescription, as well as dangerous drug combinations, and they set up a system to help someone get help for an opioid addiction.
Commission Chairman Charlton Allen said he believes the rules are necessary, based on the results of a recent study that found a huge overlap between workers comp claims and opioid-related deaths.
"These guidelines establish what an insurance company will pay for, and if it's not going to be paid for by an insurance company, there's a good chance there will be exploration of other alternatives," Allen said.
The public comment period for the proposals runs from January until March, and if approved, the rules would go into effect in May.
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