A new law is going into effect this weekend to help fight Michigan's opioid crisis.
It will limit opioid prescriptions for acute pain to a 7-day supply, starting on Sunday. The prescriptions are for short-term pain that deals with things like a broken bone, bad back, short illnesses and most surgeries.
“Protecting patients from addiction and overdose risk is the purpose of all of the reforms we enacted,” said Lt. Gov. Brian Calley. “By limiting exposure to potentially addictive medications, we are reducing the likelihood that someone will become addicted or potentially overdose. These efforts are also spurring conversations between physicians and patients on how to treat acute pain in the safest and most effective manner.”
Additionally, health care providers are now required to counsel patients on the risks of opioids before prescribing. This includes information on how mixing opioids can cause health risks and death, and how to properly dispose of the expired or unused drugs.
