Taking action would address the opioid crisis in a major, effective way
Over-prescribing of opioids is an epidemic which brings about delays in the ability of employees to return to work as a result of addiction and dependencies resulting from over-utilization of pain killers.
Sen. Andrew La Grone (Gretna) has introduced Legislative Bill 487, which would adopt an evidenced-based drug formulary for prescription drugs. The formulary would apply to those Schedule II, III, IV, and V drugs prescribed and dispensed for workers’ compensation claims with a date of injury on or after January 1, 2020.
Prescription drug abuse and over-prescribing of opioids in Nebraska is an extensive problem. Primary care providers indicate they receive insufficient training in prescribing opioid pain relievers and it is important that patients receive appropriate pain treatment. Improving the way opioids are prescribed through the drug formulary proposed under LB 487 can ensure patients have access to safer, more effective chronic pain treatment while reducing the number of people who misuse, abuse, or overdose from these powerful drugs.
NFIB Nebraska members are being asked to phone or email senators of the Business and Labor Committee of the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature and encourage their support for passage of LB 487 when it comes up for a public hearing Monday, March 4.
Improving the way opioids are prescribed results in safer chronic pain treatment. A drug formulary would:
- lead to a decrease in disability, addiction and dependencies, as well as an increase in return-to-work and in the use of less dangerous treatment options
- require adoption of evidence-based medicine and step therapy, the idea that you start with the most effective, least dangerous approach first
- demand prescribers of drugs not recommended by the drug formulary thoroughly consider the need for other options. Experience in other states adopting drug formularies reflects that prescribers usually select the less dangerous drug included in the formulary, which should result in better clinical outcomes for patients.
- save the entire workers’ compensation system money over time, as fewer injured workers are lost to dependence, addiction, and overdose. The ability to settle and close claims more quickly will be another positive result for both employers and employees.
Members of the Business and Labor Committee
- Matt Hansen (District 26), Chairman, [email protected] (402) 471-2610
- Ernie Chambers (District 11) (402) 471-2612
- Sue Crawford (District 45) [email protected] (402) 471-2615
- Steve Halloran (District 33) [email protected] (402) 471-2712
- Ben Hansen (District 16) [email protected] (402) 471-2728
- Steve Lathrop (District 12) [email protected] (402) 471-2623
- Julie Slama (District 1) [email protected] (402) 471-2733
