Republican Gov. Rick Scott on March 19 signed legislation to limit opioid prescriptions for acute pain in Florida to three days with some exceptions for seven-day prescriptions.
The prescription limitation will not apply to cancer patients, those with terminal illness, those in palliative care or patients with serious traumatic injuries, according to the Sun Sentinel.
The new law will also require prescribers to check the state prescription drug monitoring database before dispensing opioids and take continuing education courses on safe opioid prescribing. Additional provisions include increased penalties for providers who write medically unnecessary opioid prescriptions and additional reforms to address the problem of unlicensed pain management clinics.
"Last week, I signed the Securing Florida's Future budget, which includes more than $65 million to support Florida's fight against opioids, and I am proud to continue our fight against opioids by signing this major legislation today," Mr. Scott said. "This bill will help limit the chance of drug addiction, reduce the ability for dangerous drugs to spread in Florida's communities and give vulnerable Floridians needed support."
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