Final answer:
A prescriber must include a justification in the patient's medical record when prescribing more than a 7-day supply of an opioid. Regulations exist because of the high risk of addiction and overdose associated with opioids. Additionally, prescribers should assess risks, check prescription monitoring programs, and discuss alternatives with patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
A prescriber electing to write for more than a 7-day supply of an opioid for an adult or minor must include a detailed justification for the necessity of a larger quantity in the patient's medical record. Due to the addictive nature of opioids and the risk of overdose, strict regulations are in place to monitor and control the prescription of these substances. Medications such as Opium, Heroin, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone, Vicodin, and Methadone fall under this category due to their potential for misuse and abuse. Gawande (2017) highlights the need for tighter controls such as electronic prescribing to help combat the opioid crisis. This approach assists in curbing the misuse of opioids and overseeing patient prescriptions more effectively.
Prescribers are also tasked with assessing the patient's health risks, and potential for addiction, and ensuring the opioids are prescribed only when necessary for pain management. The opioid crisis, highlighted by a significant number of Americans misusing prescription opioids, underscores the importance of these measures. In addition to recording the justification, prescribers might also be required to check a state prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP), discuss the risks of addiction with the patient, and establish a clear treatment plan with goals and alternatives to opioid use, depending on state laws.