Doctors Grapple With The Challenges Of Prescribing Opioids
The Sacramento Bee reports on this dilemma faced by many doctors. In related news, answers to questions about President Donald Trump's announcement that he will declare the opioid crisis a national emergency and how some states have already responded.
Sacramento Bee:
Doctors Face Dilemma In Prescribing Opoids
Seeking to treat pain differently, many health care providers have shifted toward alternative treatments or in some cases stopped prescribing opioids at all. Even if they prescribe with strict limits, doctors say they grapple with ambiguity about whether their patients are misusing medication and whether opioids are the best solution for their pain. (Knowles, 8/14)
Stat:
4 Questions About Trump's Emergency Declaration On Opioids
President Trump threw the public for a loop again on Thursday when he announced his administration was moving to declare the opioid crisis a national emergency, just two days after administration officials said they weren’t going to take such a step. Emergency declarations can carry both symbolic weight and serious policy consequences. Here are four things STAT will be keeping an eye on. (Joseph, 8/11)
NPR:
From Alaska To Florida, States Respond To Opioid Crisis With Emergency Declarations
Public health officials and others concerned about the nation's opioid crisis are hailing President Trump's decision to declare it a national emergency. ... But while the Trump administration prepares the presidential order, governors in six states have already declared emergencies to deal with opioids. (Allen, 8/11)