Conversations
I sent an email to AZ Gov about reduction in opioid allowances. Here is his reply.
The Governor's Office is in receipt of your email communication.
We regret to read of this situation but thank you for sharing your information and concerns with our office. Please know that the new Opioid Epidemic Act takes into consideration chronic pain patients. Language and features of the bill were specifically designed to protect individuals with chronic pain.
Opioid dosage limits of 90MME/day do not apply to individuals currently receiving a dose in excess of this amount. There is no requirement that individuals who take prescriptions above 90MME taper down to a lower dose.
This limit also does not apply to cancer patients, trauma patients, surgery patients, hospice and end-of-life patients, palliative care, and nursing care facilities.
An outline of the Opioid Epidemic Act is available at: https://azgovernor.gov/sites/default/files/related-docs/arizona_opioid_epidemic_act_policy_primer.pdf.
You can read how the plan protects chronic pain sufferers at https://azgovernor.gov/sites/default/files/related-docs/chronicpainweb_0.pdf.
Additionally, it is important to note that many different parties were consulted in the writing of the Opioid Epidemic Act. Community medical specialists, doctors, physicians, chronic pain patients, and other such parties were all involved in the creation of this Act.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact our office at 602-542-4331.
Thank you for contacting the Governor's Office.
Office of Constituent Engagement
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey
Here is what I've learned after talking to several medical professionals. While the law says chronic pain patients are allowed to stay at current levels, a variety of government agencies are making it impossible. When a doctor prescribes levels above 90 mg he is bombarded with phone calls from pharmacies about prior authorizations. Insurance companies are refusing to pay. And there are request for files and investigations by the AG and the DEA. The result is tying up the doctors time and that of his staff as to limit his ability to see patients, and the possibility of prosecution. Several Arizona Doctors have already been prosecuted. The result is many of us continue to suffer and have our quality of life degraded.