What Is the New Florida Opioid Law?

If you take prescription opioids, you may be unable to get them anymore because of the new Florida opioid law. As of July 1, 2018, the government restricts how long doctors can prescribe the Schedule II drugs for a patient. However, this regulation establishes many other requirements too.

About the New Florida Opioid Law

Florida is one of several states to pass a new law that regulates prescription opioid painkillers, and each state’s legislation varies. For Florida, most opioid prescriptions are valid for only three days. They can extend to seven days for acute pain in medically necessary situations.

The law defines acute pain as a standard, predicted, mental and time-limited reaction to an adverse stimulus. This stimulus may be mechanical, chemical or thermal and result from an acute illness, surgery or trauma.

However, the opioid prescription limits don’t apply to treat chronic pain. They also don’t apply to opioid prescriptions for situations such as:

• Cancer
• Palliative care
• Severe traumatic injuries
• Terminal diseases

The Food and Drug Administration already prohibits prescribing opioids to children younger than 16. Under the new law, doctors must check E-FORCSE, Florida’s prescription drug monitoring program, before prescribing to those 16 and older. The database collects and stores the prescriptions, which helps identify patients who go “doctor shopping.” This behavior involves visiting doctor after doctor until one will prescribe opioids.

All of these requirements apply to any physician who prescribes opioids, including dentists, optometrists and nurse practitioners. By Jan. 31, 2019, they must also complete a state-approved, two-hour course about prescribing controlled substances. The state board hasn’t decided on the penalties for those who violate the law.

Why the New Opioid Law Is Necessary

The new Florida opioid law is rational because prescription opioids are a significant contributor to the opioid epidemic. Its purpose is to make it harder for people to develop an opioid addiction. According to research, the risk for addiction increases the longer they take the drugs.

It Affects More Than Opioids

Also interesting is that this new law includes more than just opioids. It applies to controlled substances in Schedules II through V. These include steroids, stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin, and anti-seizure, anti-anxiety and sedative medicines.

Education for Doctors and Patients

Doctors and patients have a lot of incorrect details about the new Florida law. In response, the Department of Health launched a website called Take Control to spread information. Local health systems have established education campaigns as well. The goal is to clear the confusion and prepare everyone for the changes in prescribing controlled substances.

Where to Get Reliable Opioid Addiction Treatment

Are you a victim of the opioid epidemic and suffer from addiction? You can get help at Beaches Recovery, a Jacksonville, FL drug and alcohol rehab center. We offer various levels of addiction programs and services, including:

• Detox at Tides Edge
• Gender-specific rehab
• Executive alcohol rehab
• Student addiction treatment
• Evidence-based therapy
• Holistic healing methods

Learn more about the new Florida opioid law. End the cycle of opioid use in your life, and help others do the same. Contact Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532 to find out how we can help.