Taking back your turf: understanding the role of law in medical decision making in opioid management (Part II--putting legal/regulatory materials to work for you).

Abstract

In Part I of this series, I discussed the basic role of the law in the decision-making process for opioid management. I set out three basic rules: 1) read and learn applicable federal and state legal/regulatory materials on using controlled substances to treat pain, 2) stay current on accepted clinical standards of care, and 3) use a compliance program to minimize the potential for abuse and diversion of controlled substances. Here in Part II, I focus on the third rule and offer a few suggestions on developing and maintaining a compliance program. I also discuss using language from legal/regulatory materials in your practice forms in a manner that, once again, allows you to "take back your turf" and prescribe opioids without fear of legal/regulatory sanction (see Disclaimer). Take a minute to review the self-audit questions that follow and see where you stand on your knowledge and use of legal/regulatory matters in your daily practice. More "yes" answers indicate better knowledge of key compliance and documentation issues. More "no" and "I don't know" answers indicate that more work should be done to minimize potential legal/regulatory compliance problems in your practice.