nj acts logoPlease read Dr. Crystal’s article in the Journal of General Internal Medicine titled, “Association of a State Prescribing Limits Policy with Opioid Prescribing and Long-term Use: an Interrupted Time Series Analysis.”

Prescription opioids are widely viewed as a main initial driver of the opioid overdose epidemic. Although rates of progression to opioid use disorder (OUD) among those who initiate prescribed opioids are low, a range of policies have emerged to restrict opioid prescribing. These policies aim to lessen exposure to opioids and prevent progression from use for short-term pain relief to long-term, chronic use, which has been criticized as risky and potentially ineffective. In March 2017, New Jersey implemented restrictions that limit initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to a 5-day supply of the lowest effective dose. For subsequent prescriptions, the policy also requires providers to discuss prescription opioid risks and alternative treatments; develop and periodically review pain management contracts; assess development of dependence; use the state PDMP; and decrease opioid prescribing or transition to alternative pain management strategies. To read the full article.

Association of a State Prescribing Limits Policy with Opioid Prescribing and Long-term Use: an Interrupted Time Series Analysis. Peter Treitler, Hillary Samples, Richard Hermida, Stephen Crystal. Journal Of General Internal Medicine, 2023 Jan 6. PMID: 36609812 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07991-7