Florida Joins States that Limit Opioid Prescriptions

Florida Gov. Rick Scott just signed new legislation into effect limiting the amount of opioid pain relievers physicians can write at one time. As other states have done, and as has been discussed at the federal level, the bill will limit opioid prescriptions for acute pain to a 3-day supply, though Florida prescribers will have the option of writing for a 7-day supply if medically necessary. The law will require prescribers to check the state’s prescription monitoring database (PDMP) in an effort to crack down on patients who may be “doctor shopping” for new sources of opioids, a frequent concern in the urgent care setting. Legislators also earmarked $53.6 million for addiction treatment services and upgrades to the PDMP and other programs aimed at lowering the incidence of opioid abuse. Florida saw 5,725 opioid-related deaths in 2016—a 35% jump from the previous year.