AMA Update on Opioid Overdose

[drusso]

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https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2020-07/opioid-task-force-progress-report.pdf

 

[deleted993114]

https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2020-07/opioid-task-force-progress-report.pdf

View attachment 314440

I do not practice in Iowa anymore, but have a close relation with the medical board. I talked to the medical director (a very nice fellow formerly from academics) and they are going to incorporate several of the AMA componants in the state guidelines (now the CDC guidelines). In addition, I have contacted the medical board in my current state of practice. They really appreciate such information, as they cannot know and be aware of everything in medicine. I always try to keep them abreast of major changes in pain management; it is not such a bad thing to have a friendly ear at your state medical board.

In my current practice (we see A LOT of cancer patients), I have seen dozens of cancer patients who have had meds withheld (they are terminal) due concerns over the CDC guidelines. While the CDC guidelines are a very well drafted template, in some instances they have caused harm to certain patients.

Take the time to contact your medical board and make them aware of the AMA response. Keep in mind that while we are aware of this, the chances are that your state board medical director probably is not aware of this. They will be happy for the information and it may help patients in your state.

As a cancer patient myself, I am a little disturbed by what I have seen regarding meds in this patient population. I know that if I turn south, I certainly want someone to help me out so I don't die in misery. This is a very important ethical issue that should be addressed and we should be the ones carrying the water for those patients.

 

[Ferrismonk]

I do not practice in Iowa anymore, but have a close relation with the medical board. I talked to the medical director (a very nice fellow formerly from academics) and they are going to incorporate several of the AMA componants in the state guidelines (now the CDC guidelines). In addition, I have contacted the medical board in my current state of practice. They really appreciate such information, as they cannot know and be aware of everything in medicine. I always try to keep them abreast of major changes in pain management; it is not such a bad thing to have a friendly ear at your state medical board.

In my current practice (we see A LOT of cancer patients), I have seen dozens of cancer patients who have had meds withheld (they are terminal) due concerns over the CDC guidelines. While the CDC guidelines are a very well drafted template, in some instances they have caused harm to certain patients.

Take the time to contact your medical board and make them aware of the AMA response. Keep in mind that while we are aware of this, the chances are that your state board medical director probably is not aware of this. They will be happy for the information and it may help patients in your state.

As a cancer patient myself, I am a little disturbed by what I have seen regarding meds in this patient population. I know that if I turn south, I certainly want someone to help me out so I don't die in misery. This is a very important ethical issue that should be addressed and we should be the ones carrying the water for those patients.

Every guideline I've seen exempts palliative care and cancer pain. I think this issue is more of a misread of the laws, not the laws themselves.

Good point about the Medical Boards.