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New state rules on prescription opioids take effect Nov. 1

Patients in Washington will see new rules on getting prescription opioids for pain starting Thursday, Nov. 1. A 2017 state law directed the state’s five medical boards and commissions to construct the new rules. Experts say people getting opioids for surgery and acute pain, which is pain up to six weeks, will see the biggest changes.

“These rules are a delicate balance of trying to do what's best for the people generally and for people with chronic pain,” Jason McGill, Gov. Jay Inslee's health policy director, said Monday.

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For surgical and acute pain medical providers will now ask you to fill out a risk assessment to determine your likelihood to abuse opioids. They will ask more questions for your patient record, and they’ll identify other pain medications or alternative pain management.

Experts say people using opioids for chronic pain should see little change. Health care providers must now consult with a pain expert for high doses and they will periodically re-evaluate the treatment plan when a patient's compliance is unsatisfactory.

“There may be shorter prescriptions than people are used to getting for acute pain conditions,” Washington State Health Department Chief Health Officer Kathy Lofy saidl.  “Because we are really trying to give that lowest effective dose for the shortest duration of time."

The Health Department estimates more than 300,000 people in the state abuse painkillers. They point to a survey that shows 53 percent of heroin users first got addicted to prescription opioids.

It's important to note exemptions from the new rules, including opioids for cancer treatment and hospice care.

Here is the link with details for patients and medical providers.