Hospital association issues opioid prescription policy for Massachusetts EDs

The Massachusetts Hospital Association last week issued nine recommendations for opioid screening, prescribing practices and appropriate use in the emergency department aimed at reducing opioid addiction and misuse. The policy is the first in a three-part effort by an MHA task force to help hospitals and health systems work with patients and communities to combat opioid abuse in emergency, ambulatory and physician practice settings. “The tragedy of substance abuse has many root causes, and it will take a comprehensive approach to effectively tackle the situation,” said MHA President and CEO Lynn Nicholas. “Massachusetts hospitals, health systems and affiliated physician practices have a crucial leadership role to play in helping to find and implement solutions.”