Final answer:
For opioid prescriptions exceeding a 7-day supply, prescribers must follow strict regulations, including evaluation of patient needs, considering non-opioid alternatives, and adhering to state and federal laws to prevent misuse and addiction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prescribers must follow stringent regulations for opioid prescriptions that exceed a 7-day supply for Schedule II drugs, like oxycodone and fentanyl, to curb addiction and prevent overdoses. The specific steps involve thorough patient evaluation, consideration of non-opioid alternatives, and adhering to state and federal laws, which may include limits on prescription quantities, mandatory use of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), and re-evaluation of the patient’s need for continued opioid therapy.
Additionally, prescribers must be attuned to signs of opioid misuse and provide or arrange for access to addiction treatment services when needed.