The Wolf administration developed the opioid prescribing guidelines to:
- “promote delivery of safe, quality health care to injured workers;
- ensure patient pain relief and functional improvement;
- be used in conjunction with other treatment guidelines, not in lieu of other recommended treatment;
- prevent and reduce the number of complications caused by prescription medication, including addiction; and
- recommend opioid prescribing practices that promote functional restoration.”
Wolf Administration Aims to Eliminate Opioid Epidemic
In January, Wolf declared a statewide emergency to fight the crisis of heroin and opioid addiction. Since then, his administration has implemented numerous initiatives to address the problem including:
- expanding the drug take-back program;
- making naxolone available to all Pensylvanians;
- starting a help hotline for individuals seeking treatment; and
- ending policies that delay access to treatment for opioid addiction
In June, Wolf extended his opioid disaster declaration without interruption. He also signed a legislation allowing hospice staff to dispose of unused prescription drugs after a patient’s death.
