Governor Wolf Introduces Opioid Prescribing Guidelines for Workers’ Compensation Patients

by Karl Voigt

This week, Pennsylvania Governor Wolf launched opioid prescribing guidelines for workers’ compensation claimants, citing the opioid epidemic as its impeller. The Governor stated that Pennsylvania ranks third highest in the nation in the percentage of injured workers who become long-term opioid users. To counter that trend, these guidelines, which are not intended to replace clinical judgment, would advise doctors in the treatment of not just acute or post-surgical pain, but also chronic pain. To view the guidelines, click here.