The FDA has opted not to require special training for physicians prescribing long-acting narcotic painkillers, according to a Health Aim report.
The FDA made the announcement after several years of deliberations over the increasing problem of painkiller abuse and misuse. Overdose deaths related to painkiller abuse have increased substantially over the last decade, prompting patients and providers to call for stricter controls on prescription capabilities.
In 2010, panel of outside experts assembled by the FDA decided to reject the agency's proposal that physician training be voluntary. The panel said mandatory training was essential to ensure patient safety. Physician groups, such as the AMA, have rejected the idea of mandatory training because of the burden it could place on physicians.
Related Articles on Pain Management:
Ohio Physicians Use Fingerprint Scans to Prevent Painkiller Abuse
Clark County Wellness Center Pain Management Clinic Opens in Indiana
Tennessee Issues 255 Pain Clinic Licenses Since Enaction of New Law
The FDA made the announcement after several years of deliberations over the increasing problem of painkiller abuse and misuse. Overdose deaths related to painkiller abuse have increased substantially over the last decade, prompting patients and providers to call for stricter controls on prescription capabilities.
In 2010, panel of outside experts assembled by the FDA decided to reject the agency's proposal that physician training be voluntary. The panel said mandatory training was essential to ensure patient safety. Physician groups, such as the AMA, have rejected the idea of mandatory training because of the burden it could place on physicians.
Related Articles on Pain Management:
Ohio Physicians Use Fingerprint Scans to Prevent Painkiller Abuse
Clark County Wellness Center Pain Management Clinic Opens in Indiana
Tennessee Issues 255 Pain Clinic Licenses Since Enaction of New Law