Opinion
FSMB chair: Opioid Rx guide available
LETTER — Posted March 23, 2009
Regarding "FDA, CDC scrutiny follows surge in accidental opioid overdoses" (Article, Feb. 9): The Federation of State Medical Boards applauds the new federal research effort to prevent unintentional opioid-related overdoses.
This issue highlights that physicians need to be able to practice in an environment that supports the appropriate use of controlled substances to manage patients' pain while preventing harm to the patient.
The Federation of State Medical Boards and its member state medical boards are engaged in an ongoing educational initiative to help physicians create such a balanced practice environment by distributing "Responsible Opioid Prescribing: A Physician's Guide" to practicing physicians in the United States.
Written by pain medicine specialist Scott M. Fishman, MD, the book translates the FSMB's consensus model policy on pain management into practical, office-based guidelines.
Finally, we feel physicians should minimize the potential for inappropriate use and diversion; however, they should not fear sanctions for adequately treating pain.
Regina M. Benjamin, MD, chair, Federation of State Medical Boards
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/03/23/edlt0323.htm.
