CDC Releases Final Guideline for Prescribing Opioids

On March 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued its final guideline for primary care physicians to follow when prescribing opioids for chronic pain in outpatient settings. The guideline's 12 recommendations are intended to improve patient-physician communication and reduce the risks of opioid use disorder, overdose and death.
The CDC also published complementary materials—including a fact sheet, checklist and posters—to assist physicians with implementing the recommendations.
Click here to read AAFP's perspective on the guideline, including its participation in offering recommendations and suggested changes to the draft guideline. According to the AAFP, although an AAFP representative participated on the team that developed the guidelines, the Academy won't decide whether or not to endorse the document until its review team assesses the changes from the draft version to the final guideline.