Publications & Resources

How to Effectively Treat Difficult Patients, Part 1

MLMIC shares guidance for interacting with patients who are hostile, drug seeking or noncompliant.

Proper Use of Non-Opioid Alternatives Can Effectively Manage Post-Surgical Pain

New research indicates there are not significant differences in clinical outcomes or overall experiences between post-surgical patients who receive narcotics and those treated with over-the-counter NSAIDs.

Experts Caution Against Opioid Issuance for Long-COVID

A troubling percentage of long-COVID patients are using opioids to address the scope of symptoms that can cripple one’s health for months after a diagnosis.

Individualized Opioid Interventions Can Reduce Use After Surgery

Experts say patient-centric opioid intervention before discharge from the hospital can cut overall opioid intake, while still ensuring a patient is satisfied and their pain is properly managed.

Risk Management Checklists: Opioid Management

MLMIC encourages policyholders to review these important Risk Management Checklists on opioid management, including guidance on managing patients with chronic pain and managing drug seeking patients.

FDA Warns About Illicit Online Opioid Retailers

The FDA cautions that a number of websites are illegally selling unauthorized opioids that may be counterfeit, contaminated, expired or otherwise unsafe.

A Reminder from NYSDOH About Opioid Treatment Plan Requirement

NYS Public Health Law requires that a written treatment plan be placed in the patient’s medical record when a practitioner prescribes opioids for pain management for longer than three months or past the time of normal tissue healing.

Will Hospitals Be Held Accountable if Patients Become Addicted to Opioids?

NPR and Fierce Healthcare recently raised the question, will hospitals be held accountable if patients become addicted to opioids? According to the articles, overprescription of opioids contributes to the current crisis, and many physicians don’t understand how quickly addiction can happen.

Narcotic Prescribers Must Complete Mandatory CMEs Prior to July 1, 2017

New York State requires all narcotic prescribers to attend three hours of continuing medical education (CME) that address specifically designated aspects of prescribing controlled substances. These CMEs must be completed prior to July 1, 2017.

Effective July 22, 2016, a 7-day Limit for Initial Opioid Prescriptions

As part of New York’s efforts to curb opioid abuse, Governor Cuomo recently signed legislation to amend New York State Public Health Law §3331, which will take effect on July 22, 2016. Restrictions have been put in place to limit initial narcotic prescriptions to seven days.