CAASA Report: CFD responds to 2nd overdose death

The Canton Fire Department reported an overdose fatality last week — a male in his 30s. It was the town’s second drug-related fatality since the start of 2016.

In other substance abuse news, the Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse continues its series on the newly signed STEP Act — an act relative to Substance Use Treatment, Education and Prevention.

With thousands of patients being prescribed opioids for pain management each year in the commonwealth, it is critical that policies exist to prevent people from becoming addicted to opioids due to overprescribing the drug for a legitimate medical issue. Section 12 seeks to establish some additional safeguards for insurance carriers by requiring insurers to file opioid management policies annually with the Division of Insurance. Specifically, the annual attestation must outline:

* The prior authorization policies that the carrier utilizes to encourage safe opioid prescribing practices.

* Any member or provider outreach efforts related to education about the risks of opioid use and misuse.

* The protocols in place to ensure that carriers are monitoring provider compliance with the 72-hour limit on the first opioid prescription, as required by Section 2 of the bill.

* Alternative pain management therapies that are covered by the carrier.

* The policies that ensure appropriate access to pain medication for individuals suffering from chronic pain.

CAASA will next meet on Monday, June 20, at 3 p.m. at the Canton Parks and Recreation office at 92 Pleasant Street. The group will receive a donation from the Canton Association of Business and Industry and will announce the new membership of the official committee.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Jun 17 2016. Filed under News, Police & Fire. Both comments and pings are currently closed.