For immediate release:

(March 17, 2016)

Attorney General Sam Olens Applauds the Centers for Disease Control for
Releasing Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain
On Tuesday, March 15, 2016, the Centers for Disease Control released guidelines for prescribing
opioids for chronic pain. The Centers for Disease Control guidelines for prescribing opioids for
chronic pain will help primary care providers ensure the safest and most effective treatment for
their patients.
By better informing and guiding prescribers, these guidelines will not only provide a strong
framework for providers, but they will also improve the access to opioids for patients for whom
they are the best choice, said Olens.
Among the 12 recommendations in the guidelines, three principles are key to improving patient
care:
Non-opioid therapy is preferred for chronic pain outside of active cancer, palliative,
and end-of-life care.
When opioids are used, the lowest possible effective dosage should be prescribed to
reduce risks of opioid use disorder and overdose.
Providers should always exercise caution when prescribing opioids and monitor all
patients closely.
Attorney General Olens along with 36 Attorneys General signed a letter of support earlier this
year urging for speedy adoption of the proposed guidelines.
The proposed guidelines can be accessed below:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/rr/rr6501e1er.htm?s_cid=rr6501e1er_w