What is opioid management?
In November 2007, WorksafeNB implemented opioid management as part of its due diligence responsibility to workers. WorksafeNB data showed that as impairment decreased the percentage of prescriptions increased and the percentage of prescriptions exceeding generally recommended quantity limits also increased. These increases are greater for claimants with a predominantly psychosocial pain generator. There is a duration trigger for claimants on the basic MSK formulary (W2), and a 30-day quantity trigger for opioids in all formularies. The duration trigger is an automatic one-time trigger. It is activated 6 weeks after the date of accident. A prescription after 6 weeks triggers a review. If additional opioids are indicated, the medical advisor reinstate them using either mini-formulary or special authorization. Each opioid is assigned to a group. Each group has a collective 30-day quantity limit with 3 days grace. If the 30-day quantity is exhausted before the 3 days grace, the pharmacist
