Opioids are natural or synthetic chemicals that interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain, reducing the intensity of pain signals and feelings of pain. This class of drugs include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain medications available legally by prescription such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. Opioid pain medications are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but because they produce euphoria in addition to pain relief, they can be misused. Source: CDC
Across the U.S., hospitals and health systems are working to address the opioid crisis. To help in their efforts, the American Hospital Association developed a new toolkit to provide guidance and information to hospitals and health systems on how they can work with their patients, clinicians and communities to stem this epidemic. The primary goals of the toolkit include:
The toolkit was created with input from subject matter experts, including psychiatrists specializing in addictions, CMOs and other clinical experts, pain management professionals, and a number of specifically-identified stakeholders to ensure its relevance across the field.
A link to the new toolkit can be found at www.aha.org/opioidtoolkit. You may also use and share anAHA blog post at http://blog.aha.org/.
Effective July 1, 2017, the emergency opioid antagonist naloxone (Narcan) may be dispensed by pharmacists without a prescription pursuant to statewide protocol. The protocol allows for dispensing naloxone to individuals at risk of experiencing, witnessing, or responding to an opioid-related overdose. The statewide protocol and a step-by-step Narcan nasal spray administration guide is available online at http://www.pharmacy.ks.gov/resources-consumer-info/naloxone.
AHA Sends Opioid Policy Recommendations to Ways and Means CommitteeThe American Hospital Association recently submitted policy recommendations to House Ways and Means Committee leaders as they begin developing Medicare-related legislation to address the opioid crisis. The committee is seeking feedback on specific questions related to overprescribing, data tracking, beneficiary notification, provider education, and treatment options. AHA also has submitted recommendations to other committees of jurisdiction, as Congress plans to enact comprehensive legislation on opioids this spring.
Colorado Opioid Safety Pilot ReportThe Colorado Hospital Association recently released results of the Colorado Opioid Safety Pilot. In June 2017, CHA and member hospitals conducted a six-month pilot in eight Colorado hospital emergency departments and two freestanding emergency departments with the goal of reducing the administration of opioids by ED clinicians. The 10 EDs achieved a 36 percent reduction in opioid administrations when compared to the same time period in 2016, far surpassing the original pilot goal of 15 percent. This amounted to an estimated 35,000 fewer individual opioid administrations between the 2017 pilot and the 2016 baseline period. The participants also were able to increase administration of alternatives to opioids.
President's Commission Releases Final Draft Report on Opioid CrisisThe President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis final draft report was recently released by the White House. The commission's report makes multiple recommendations to help fight the opioid crisis, including ongoing requests for non-burdensome funding mechanisms to provide localized resources and support.
Administration Renews Opioid Emergency DeclarationThe opioid crisis remains a national public health emergency, Acting Health and Human Services Secretary Eric Hargan declared, renewing the administration's October declaration effective Jan. 24. Read more.