Type to search

Government Health Care News

Opioid prescription rates drop following new regulations

Avatar photo
Share

Delaware doctors have written fewer prescriptions for opioid drugs since the enactment of new regulations by the Department of State earlier this year.

The rate has dropped 12 percent, according to the Division of Professional Regulation, compared to the first quarter of 2017. The overall number of patients being treated with opioids has dropped eight percent.

“Limiting the availability of prescribed opioids that end up being diverted, sold and illegally abused is an important part of our fight to stem the tide of opioid addiction in Delaware,” said Gov. John Carney. “Opioid prescription rates remain too high in Delaware, but this is an issue we will continue to address in a comprehensive way.”

The regulations, implemented April 1, came as a direct response to the uptick in opioid-related overdoses. Effectively the regulations put in additional stop-gaps, such as limiting first-time prescriptions to one week.

“A significant reduction in the number of pills being prescribed means a better chance that fewer end up on the street,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “Just as important, fewer people being prescribed opioids is a sign that medical professionals in Delaware may be changing their prescribing practices and relying less heavily on highly addictive opioids when better alternatives exist. Seven months into our new regulatory framework for opioids, we are seeing the results we had hoped for.”

Get the free DBT email newsletter  

Follow the people, companies and issues that matter most to business in Delaware.

Tags:

You Might also Like

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Premier Digital Partners

© 2024 Delaware Business Times

Important notice for access to your Delaware Business Times “Insider” content

Flash Sale! Subscribe to Delaware Business Times and save 50%.

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.

SUMMER FLASH SALE!

Subscribe to Delaware Business Times and save 50%