Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) Acting Administrator/CEO Sarah Morrison recently announced a proposed new opioid prescribing rule to support the health and safety of Ohio’s injured workers.
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The proposed rule, presented at the monthly meeting of the BWC Board of Directors Medical Services and Safety Committee, defines best medical practices for the use of opioids to treat workplace injuries and illnesses. The rule would be the first of its kind in Ohio law.
“While opioid prescriptions are often an appropriate part of treatment for workplace injuries and illnesses, we know that long-term use can actually hinder recovery and a timely return to work,” said Morrison. “Ohio’s injured workers deserve the best possible treatment that addresses their medical needs without facing the life-changing consequences of opioid dependence or addiction.”
Under the rule, reimbursement for opioid prescriptions would be limited to claims in which current best medical practices are followed. The rule builds upon best practices developed by Governor Kasich’s Cabinet Opioid Action Team by addressing the needs of injured workers.
Best practices include the development of an individualized treatment plan, risk assessment and close monitoring of the progress and improvement in function of the worker. The goal is to ensure best practices are followed at the onset of an injury, and throughout the course of treatment so injured workers receive care that ultimately improves their condition.
The rule also allows BWC to provide treatment for opioid dependence that arises from the use of opioid medications covered by BWC.
Treatment for dependence could include psychological counseling and medication assisted treatment for recovery. Finally, a new peer-review process would address a prescriber’s failure to comply with best practices.
BWC began making improvements to its pharmacy program in 2010 to ensure injured workers receive medications necessary for their recovery without endangering their health. Since the creation of BWC’s first-ever formulary, there has been an ongoing reduction in prescriptions for opiates, as well as commonly overused drugs. Total opioid doses have decreased by 23.8 million, or 41 percent, since 2010.
“We’re in the midst of an opioid crisis in this state and across the country,” said Dr. Stephen Woods, BWC Chief Medical Officer. “This rule has important implications not just for injured workers, but to their families, friends and their surrounding communities.”
If approved, the rule would become effective Oct. 1, 2016.
Author Kori Shafer-Stack, Editor, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in post-injury response procedures and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: kstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
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