Our approach to opioid treatment is based on two key principles:
- Authorization of opioids for workers should support treatment goals that include improvement in function, pain relief, quality of life and safe and sustained return to work.
- Management of pain is consistent with current best practice.
We will allow initial prescriptions for select opioids for a maximum of 12 weeks. Opioid coverage beyond 4 weeks will be subject to clinical review. Information will be required via the Opioid Assessment Form, provided by a nurse consultant.
Guidelines are available to assist in opioid prescribing.
For coverage status of opioids, read the formulary drug listing decisions, search drug benefit formulary and/or review the prior authorization and non-formulary drugs.