Medical Malpractice Insurance News

Responsibly prescribing medications, identifying patients with opioid use disorders, initiating conversations and developing treatment plans may help physicians handle drug-seeking patients while mitigating risk.

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.

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.

The Biden-Harris Administration recently released its Statement of Drug Policy Priorities to continue the effort to end the opioid epidemic. The list works in tandem with the American Dental Association’s similar goals to curb opioid use. Knowledge about opioid prescription misuse is crucial for dentists, who prescribe 1 in 10 opioid prescriptions in the United States.

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.

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.

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.

Healthcare professionals share in the responsibility for minimizing prescription drug abuse and drug diversion. Physicians are tasked with differentiating patients in need of effective pain management from those who may be seeking drugs for inappropriate reasons. Review this Risk Management Tip from MLMIC to reinforce related policies and protocols within your practice or facility.

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

The management of chronic pain through the prescription of controlled medication poses challenges and risks to both the patient and the healthcare provider. Review this Risk Management Tip from MLMIC to reinforce related policies and protocols within your practice or facility.