More than 600 physicians have stopped prescribing opioids altogether in North Carolina, according to a survey from the North Carolina Medical Board cited by North Carolina Health News.
For the survey, the North Carolina Medical Board surveyed 2,661 licensed physicians in the state to gauge how they are responding to the opioid epidemic.
More than half (58 percent) of respondents indicated their practices have been affected by the epidemic. Of these individuals, 43 percent — or about 663 physicians — said they stopped prescribing opioids.
In response to the survey findings, the medical board said it is "pro-appropriate care, not anti-opioids," according to the North Carolina Health News.
"Treat with opioids when it's appropriate," Jean Brinkley, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Medical Board, told the publication. "Prescribers should be thoughtful, and carefully documenting treatment and reasons. If it's appropriate, make sure the record is clear. That's the board’s expectation."
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