Leaders with the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced their new approach to fighting the opioid epidemic within the United States.
As the representative, HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell made the announcement about the new methods. Opioid use disorder has been an ongoing health concern in the U.S. -- and the rates have only increased in recent years.
Health professionals have decided to include buprenorphine as part of the fight against opioid use disorder, broadening the tools that doctors have to fight the health concern. This medication may be a useful treatment for the disorder.
The HHS has also proposed that all potential financial incentives be eliminated. Currently, some doctors receive financial rewards for prescribing opioids to patients who complete survey questions. This measure should drastically reduce opioid use disorder across the nation.
Another new approach is a mandate for all prescribers and pharmacists involved in Indian Health Service to verify state Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) resources. This must be done before the opioids are prescribed or distributed.
Additionally, the HHS department has started several new scientific studies related to opioid misuse. The studies include developing new treatments for pain. Scientists hope to gain feedback in order to better the prescriber education and training programs, which need to be updated as well as expanded.
