New Jersey opioid law mandates prescriber discussions with young patients

Some advocates are seeing New Jersey's adoption of a law mandating discussions between prescribers and families before a minor is prescribed an opioid as a precursor to additional measures in the state to combat the opioid crisis.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey this week issued a news release upon word that Gov. Chris Christie had signed legislation designed to inform young patients and families of the risks of becoming dependent on an opioid and of the availability of alternative treatments for pain. The new law applies to physicians and dentists, and does not require the discussions if a young person is an emancipated minor.

“The momentum gained by the adoption of this important legislation is setting the stage for progress on comparison common sense prevention measures, such as requiring physicians and other prescribers to receive ongoing training in best prescribing practices as a condition of being able to prescribe opiate-based pain relievers, and making pill limits for initial opiate prescriptions permanent law,” said Partnership chairwoman Elaine Pozycki.

The law requiring conversations about opioids and alternatives is believed to be the first of its kind in the nation. It also requires prescribers to document in the young patient's medical record that the conversation about opioids took place.