Dive Brief:
- The AMA's Task Force to Reduce Opioid Abuse, with 27 physician organizations, has announced its initial national recommendation of several to address the U.S. opioid epidemic.
- Its initial focus will be to urge physicians to register for and use state-based prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) when considering treatment options.
- PDMPs can be an effective tool to help identify patients who may be misusing opioids and to implement treatment strategies.
Dive Insight:
The group's new initiative includes a new resource web page with key information on PDMPs and their effectiveness for physician practice and a national marketing, social media and communications campaign to raise awareness about steps physicians can take to combat the epidemic.
The AMA has long advocated support of initiatives to address prescription drug abuse and diversion. It continues to work with the administration and Congress to develop approaches to end prescription opioid misuse and support state and federal efforts to fully fund and modernize PDMPs.