A new law goes into effect June 1, requiring health care providers to counsel patients about the risks of taking opioids before writing an initial prescription for the drugs.
“The opioid epidemic is sweeping our nation and preventing addiction from occurring in the first place is an essential step to saving lives,” Lt. Governor Brian Calley stated in a news release. “It’s critical that people understand the risks associated with opioids before taking them and this new law ensures that education happens before a prescription is written.”
The law also requires patients to sign a consent form after learning the risks.
Information that must be provided by health care workers before prescribing an opioid, other than for inpatient use:
• Risks of addiction and overdose associated with opioids
• Individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders may have an increased risk of addiction to a controlled substance (required only for minors)
• Mixing opioids with benzodiazepines, alcohol, muscle relaxers or other drugs that suppress the central nervous systems can cause serious health risks, including death or disability (required only for minors)
• Short-term and long-term effects of exposing a fetus to a controlled substance if the patient is pregnant or is a female of reproductive age
• Delivery of a controlled substance is a felony under Michigan law
• How to properly dispose of an expired, unused or unwanted controlled substance
“Although sometimes medically necessary, opioids are a controlled substance and can be highly addictive,” stated Dr. Eden Wells, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive. “This law is an effort to ensure patients know the risks associated with the prescription they are about to receive and make an educated decision about their health care.”
The law also requires the development of an Opioid Start Talking form to be signed by the patient or a patient’s parent or guardian if the patient in under 18. The form certifies the provider shared the information and must be included in the patient’s medical record..
“Combating the opioid epidemic is going to require a collective effort between state agencies, health professionals and local communities,” said LARA Director Shelly Edgerton, director of Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. “The new processes created by these laws necessitate meaningful and intentional conversations between physicians and patients which will enhance understanding about the potentially harmful and addictive properties of opioids.”
More information about opioids and protections against overdose can be found at Michigan.gov/stopoverdoses.