Governor Tom Wolf introduces Opioid Prescribing Guidelines for Workers’ Compensation

On July 16, 2018, Governor Wolf’s administration released Opioid Prescribing Guidelines for healthcare providers that provide treatment for injured workers. Regardless of whether you are an injured worker suffering from pain, a healthcare provider, or a concerned relative of an injured worker you may be wondering how these new guidelines will affect treatment. The new guidelines are designed to promote to safe prescription of opioids in Workers’ Compensation cases. It is important to note that these guidelines do not impact a doctor’s ability to prescribe opioids but instead, outline the best practices for opioid prescription based on research performed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. By implementing best practices and working with health care providers, the Department of Health is seeking to reduce opioid addiction. The Department of Health has issued eleven total sets of guidelines for the prescription of opioids, guidelines for the prescription of opioids. If you or a loved one has been injured at work and is in need of medical treatment, please call Pearson Koutcher Law right away. One of our Workers’ Compensation attorneys would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you get the treatment you need.