Introduction: Prescription drug abuse has become an issue of national importance. The number of deaths from prescription opioids now exceeds those caused by heroin and cocaine combined. In order to help stem this epidemic there has been a call for more judicious prescribing on the part of physicians. (1) The AAEM offers this model guideline to its members. It may be adopted in whole or in part and should be modified to address local circumstances and state and local laws and regulations.
Guidelines for treating non-cancer pain:
This document is a guideline and is not meant to replace the individual judgment of the treating physician who is in the best position to determine the needs of the individual patient.
1. Narcotic analgesics are appropriate to treat acute illness or injury. Discharge
prescriptions should be limited to the amount needed until follow-up and should not
exceed 7 days worth.
2. The patient should not receive narcotic prescriptions from multiple doctors. Emergency
physicians should not prescribe additional narcotics for a condition previously treated
in their ED or by another physician unless there are extenuating circumstances.
