PRACTICE UPDATE: Are You in Compliance with the New Non-Opioid Alternatives Law?
Posted over 4 years ago by Jean Aertker
01/08/2020: A message from the Florida Board of Nursing
The Non-Opioid Alternatives Law Aims to Help Health Care Providers and Patients
Starting July 1, 2019, all health care providers must include non-opioid alternatives for pain and pain management in their discussions about pain treatments with their patients Florida Statute 456.44 (7) before providing anesthesia, or prescribing, ordering, dispensing or administering a schedule II controlled substance for the treatment of pain.
Additionally, prior to providing anesthesia or ordering, the law requires the health care provider discuss non-opioid alternatives with the patient. The law applies to non-emergency situations only and excludes pharmacists. A health care provider must provide to the patient Alternatives to Opioids, an educational information pamphlet created by the Florida Department of Health.
Health care providers can post Alternatives to Opioids (Click on link for English) on their websites.MEDICACIONES ALTERNATIVAS (Click on link for Spanish) The pamphlet and poster may be downloaded and printed from office printers.
Checklist for Health Care Providers
□ Inform the patient of available non-opioid alternatives for pain treatment which may include non-opioid medicinal drugs or drug products.
□ Inform the patient of available non-opioid interventional procedures or treatments which may include: acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, massage, physical or occupational therapy, or any other appropriate therapy.
□ Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of non-opioid alternatives.
□ Discuss whether the patient is at high-risk or has a history of controlled substance abuse or misuse, and discuss the patient’s personal preferences.
□ Provide the patient with Alternatives to Opioids educational pamphlet.
□ Document the non-opioid alternatives considered in the patient’s record.