New protocols seek to control pain management

Nevada will soon implement new procedures to address two issues that are creating angst in the workers' comp system throughout the nation: chronic pain and the use of opioids.

The new pain management protocols go into effect later this month.

One of the goals is to prevent opioid abuse by injured workers. "It's key to identify early who's got addictive behaviors," said Karen Caterino, risk manager for the State of Nevada. "It's critical to see them."

States take varying actions to curb opioid abuse (02/27/12)
New report shows growing off-label narcotic use in California (05/26/11)
Food and Drug Administration to examine opioids, chronic pain (02/04/13)
Medical marijuana users denied ADA protections (12/17/12)
Better understanding can help employers address opioid crisis among injured workers (01/28/13)

Pain management specialists will be a part of the process, along with psychological counselors and experts in functional restoration. Caterino says collaborating with experts from a variety of medical fields will help raise red flags among claimants who could otherwise end up addicted to opioids.

December 19, 2011

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