PS2 – The Opioid Crisis Continues
Disturbingly, the opioid crisis continues. Deaths from prescription opioid painkillers have reached epidemic levels in the past decade. Opioid analgesics are now responsible for more deaths than the number of deaths from suicide, motor vehicle crashes, cocaine and heroin overdoses combined. Prescription monitoring and nurse case managers can combat the problem. Improving the way prescription painkillers are prescribed and enduring proper case manager involvement can reduce the number of people who misuse, abuse or overdose from these powerful drugs, while making sure patients have access to safe, effective treatment. This session will also take a closer look at the current national legislative policies and initiatives designed to reduce the negative trend of this epidemic.