OOA Voices Concerns about Ohio's Acute Pain Rules

(May 4, 2017) The OOA has submitted comments regarding proposed rules from the State Medical of Ohio and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy that put new restrictions on the prescribing of opioids for acute pain.

The rules were announced by Gov. John Kasich during a March 30 news conference—a day after legislators introduced companion bills in the House and Senate that would impose even more restrictions in the Ohio Revised Code.

In the letter, OOA President Sean D. Stiltner, DO, wrote: "As the State of Ohio moves to the promulgation of rules instead of guidelines, we are concerned about balancing the goals of protecting patient safety with effective treatment and access to pain management."

The OOA has long been involved with the issue. Many DOs, including official OOA representatives Cleanne Cass, DO, and Cynthia S. Kelley, DO, have worked with the Governor's Cabinet Opiate Action Team to develop emergency department, chronic pain guidelines and acute pain guidelines.  

Read the OOA letter.

Read the Medical Board proposed rules.