Opioid Prescribing

Purpose: To inform patients about standards regarding the prescription of drugs of dependence and/or restricted medications.

Some medications prescribed for pain management have the potential to become addictive.
Of concern are ‘drugs of dependence’ (eg opioid medications and benzodiazepines), particularly when these are prescribed on an ongoing basis.

To ensure the doctor can provide adequate treatment of your medical condition please be aware of the following:

• It is important that new patients provide accurate medical information to the treating doctor about existing medical conditions in order to allow the treating doctor to make an informed decision about ongoing care. It may take time to get accurate medical information about your condition. Until such information is available, the doctor may choose not to prescribe any opioid or restricted medications until they have a full clinical picture.
   
• The doctor may decide not to continue prescribing an opioid or restricted medications previously prescribed for you. It may be determined that such a medication is not suitable. Doctors do not prescribe drugs of dependence if they feel that previous prescriptions were inappropriate.
   
• The doctor will evaluate your condition and only prescribe an opioid of the strength necessary for you. This may be different than what another doctor may have given you in the past.
   
• If the decision to prescribe a ‘drug of dependence’ is taken after a shared discussion of goals, plans, risks and benefits, you may be required to confirm your consent in writing.
   
• You may be asked to sign an agreement that will detail the doctor’s expectations when prescribing drugs of dependence. This contract details your responsibilities as a patient taking a drug of dependence, any prescription issues, advice on taking your medications, how the doctor will monitor your care, and the standards of behaviour that are expected. The agreement is not a legally binding contract.
   
• You may need to acknowledge that your care requirements are complex, and that referral for ongoing care for all or part of your healthcare may be required. Care is matched with the level of complexity.
   
• Patients are reminded that doctors and this facility observe a zero-tolerance policy on issues relating to support staff and/or doctor abuse. Any threats to support staff and/or doctors will result in transfer of your care.
   
• Restricted medications require a face-to-face consultation. Telehealth consultations for some prescriptions are available to eligible patients at each doctor’s discretion and where recent face-to-face consultation has occurred with the prescribing doctor.

Regards

Doctors consulting from Tandem Health Labrador Medical Centre