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Is It the Beginning of the End For Workers’ Compensation Covering Opioids?

August 14, 2019

workers’ comp alternatives

The opioid crisis has wreaked havoc on communities across the United States—so much so that some states are even taking extreme measures to stop the flow of prescribed opioids into their borders.

In spring of 2019, Ohio decided against allowing workers’ compensation to cover opioids.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) cited the potential for abuse, misuse, addiction and dependence in announcing the decision that will cease coverage for Oxycontin with any work-related injuries that occurred after June 1, 2019. Those already taking Oxycontin are being given until the end of the year to find another prescription.

Opioids have the effect of reducing alertness in the patient and, as research shows, makes it less likely the injured worker will return to the job after they recover.

A study done by the state of Washington showed that simply receiving a one-week supply of opioids doubled the likelihood a worker would still be out of work 1 year after the injury. A California study had similar results, showing that high doses of opioids would keep a worker off the job 3 times longer than lower doses.

These findings say nothing of the high human cost on individuals, families and communities when an injured person becomes addicted to opioids without even knowing the risks.

Workers’ comp providers are taking a big-picture look at their prescription management programs. Guidelines are being developed for stricter monitoring, with requirements for measurable progress in patient functionality being required before extending a prescription.

Providers are also exploring more alternative pain management remedies. Physical therapy, acupuncture and therapeutic massages are examples of natural remedies that can be deployed in place of opioid drugs.

If you have a workers’ comp claim, consider asking about the management program for pain relief drugs and the possibility of alternative treatments being covered. It’s better than ending up with an addiction you never saw coming.

Filed Under: Workers' Compensation and Injury Info Tagged With: workers comp benefits

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Workers Compensation Attorney Profile

Meet Colorado Workers' Compensation, Personal Injury and Insurance Dispute Attorney R. Mack Babcock

Prior to founding The Babcock Law Firm, LLC, R. Mack Babcock spent many years on the other side of workers' compensation, car accidents, personal injury and insurance disputes representing some of the largest insurance companies and corporations in Colorado as an attorney at a midsize insurance defense firm.

Babcock is a member of the Colorado and Denver Bar Associations, the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association and the Workers' Compensation Educational Association. In early 2008, he was elected as the Colorado House District 43 Committee Chairperson for the Douglas County Colorado Democratic Party. In connection with this position, he is responsible for finding a candidate(s) to run for House District 43, overseeing the campaign(s), organizing volunteers, and also sits on the executive committee for the Douglas County Democratic Party.

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