Multi-pronged Approach for Addressing Opioid and Chronic Pain Management in Colorado

CME/MOC: 1.5
TRACK: OEM Clinical Practice

Richard Garrett May, MD, Pinnacol Assurance, Denver, CO
Liliana Tenney, MPH, Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO
Robert Valuck, PhD, RPh, FNAP, University of Colorado School of Pharmacy, Aurora, CO

Prescription drug misuse and abuse is a serious problem both nationally and in Colorado. Each year, overdose deaths from opioid painkillers alone number approximately 17,000 nationally and 300 in Colorado. Such deaths are now more common than alcohol-related traffic fatalities. The CDC calls prescription drug overdose deaths one of the four most serious epidemics facing the nation. Enough opioid painkillers are dispensed by pharmacies in the US to supply each and every American citizen with enough pills to take one every four hours, around the clock, for a month. To address this problem, Colorado convened experts from across the state to create the Colorado Plan to Reduce Rx Abuse and a consortium, which addresses public awareness, naloxone, disposal, surveillance, and provider and prescriber education. This session will discuss the statewide efforts and impact that has resulted from policies, workers’ compensation, provider training, and new guidelines.