The
Workplace Health
Safety and Compensation Commission will be launching a new
opioid policy effective May 1, 2004.
Extensive research, internal and external consultations were carried
out over the past year to draft the policy and associated
guidelines. External consultations included primary and specialist
members of the NLMA, members of the Newfoundland Pharmaceutical
Association, the Newfoundland Medical Board, the Newfoundland and
Labrador Federation of Labour, and the Newfoundland and Labrador
Employers' Council, as well as out-of-province experts in the field,
including Dr. John Clark of the Halifax Pain Management Unit and Dr.
Roman Jovey of the Canadian Pain Society.
This
policy, its provisions and requirements, will define how the
Commission will cover opioid medications and will therefore have a
direct impact on the prescribing and dispensing of opioids
analgesics for injured workers. Information packages will be
forwarded to physicians and pharmacists in March, with province-wide
information sessions held in April. Recipients are encouraged to
review the information packages thoroughly to familiarize themselves
with the provisions of the new policy and are encouraged to attend
an information session in their area. Watch for more information and
announcements. |
