I wonder if this letter represents the mindset of many of those in the Senate. — These new rules/guidelines do not prevent any physician from prescribing pain medications outside the normal prescribed dose as long as the physician can support the decision to do so, through documentation.
Just who defines “normal prescribed dose”– the FDA— the CDC — the DEA ? What I have mostly read from articles on prescriber being taken to federal court that the prescriber exceeded standard of care and best practices… Are they referencing the FDA dosing guidelines in the professional dosing information or are the following the CDC MME system recommendations – which has no science nor double blind clinical studies supporting their conclusion ?
The typical chronic painer is not waiting for a federal/state agency to compel the prescriber to prescribe them opiates. At least Senator Johnson understands that the DEA has intimated may prescribers to stop prescribing or dramatically lower the pt’s dose.
Senator Johnson wrote this in Jan, 2023 – The federal agencies are not likely to make any changes to these policies or guidelines – that is SIX MONTHS after the SCOTUS ruled (9-0 vote ) in the Ruan/Kahn that the DEA could not use OBJECTIVE CRITERIA in judging prescriber treating pts dealing with SUBJECTIVE DISEASES. Does Senator Johnson and other members of Congress knows something about the DEA future plans in dealing with prescribers that is not being shared with others ?
Date: Fri, Jan 20, 2023 at 10:26 AM
Subject: Responding to your message
Thank you for contacting the office of Senator Ron Johnson with your request for a meeting to discuss the FDA, CDC and DEA medication prescribing recommendations as it relates to pain management medications.
Several years ago, these federal agencies put out new guidelines for prescribing pain medications as a result of over-prescribing which led to a severe addiction problem among U.S. citizens. I have attached the CDC’s guidelines here for your review.
These new rules/guidelines do not prevent any physician from prescribing pain medications outside the normal prescribed dose as long as the physician can support the decision to do so, through documentation. These changes did result in many prescribers making the decision to no longer prescribe any pain management medications and instead referring their pain management patients to a pain management specialist or clinic.
Many prescribers have chosen not to prescribe these medications outside the “normal” recommended dosages for fear of extra scrutiny by the DEA. Admittedly, these changes in policy have resulted in some challenges for patients who truly need and require high doses of opioids and other pain medications to manage their pain. However, the prescribers are within their right to decide these matters and no federal or state agency can compel them to prescribe these medications.
The federal agencies are not likely to make any changes to these policies or guidelines as they continue their fight to deal with the epidemic of opioid abuse, addiction and overdoses.
Please do not hesitate to contact Senator Johnson or his staff in the future to request assistance concerning federal issues or to share your ideas and opinions. We truly appreciate the opportunity to hear your concerns. Senator Johnson believes one of the most important duties he has as your Senator is to listen to the views of the citizens of Wisconsin, and in turn, communicate his views.
Filed under: General Problems
I find it very curious,,no mention of all the deaths reported to him,,none,,No mention of a meeting request by some..They really have been told,thus believe,our medicine did this,and do not care if were dieing,,at all,,Now Mr.Johnson is not just a Senatore,,he is on the house ways and means committee,,the $$$$$,,allocations,,,.I am sure the person he wrote this too will keep requesting a formal meeting,,,Also if anyone has the time,”look up,2018,fda meeting,,”labelled,,”Voice of the chronic pain patient,;””
OMG,, get ready to see the lies they are writting about us on officuial federal records,,,,jmo,,and thank u,steve,maryw