Pain contracts for opioid prescriptions?
A bill Rep. John Janigian (R-Rockingham) has put to the Legislature this year, HB 1574, would require patients and health care providers to sign a form before an opioid prescription is given. The form will explain the addictive nature of an opioid drug and encourage patients to choose a non-opioid alternative, if one is available. Read more about this issue.
Do you support a bill that requires health care providers and patients to sign a “pain contract” explaining the addictive nature of controlled opioid drugs before a prescription for those drugs is issued?
Discussion held on Citizens Count NH website and Facebook page January 2, 2018
No: 132 citizens were opposed to requiring pain contracts for opioid prescriptions.
- “No. I have never not had a doctor explain the risks. And I have never had a problem. This is a part of the doctors’ profession and shouldn’t be something politicians need to be involved in.”
- “No. There are real people who follow the rules and can't get help for their pain anymore! Stop regulating.”
- “No more stupid red tape. This is getting ridiculous. A 'contract' means nothing to an addict.”
Yes: 29 citizens were in favor of requiring pain contracts for opioid prescriptions.
- “Absolutely, the dangers involved with these meds require serious attention and understanding, if you give this issue due diligence than you will understand the absolute need for a bill like this!”
- “Yes, I think everyone receiving an Rx for an opioid should sign a pain contract; I have had one with my PCP for years. If you legitimately have chronic pain, you should not have an issue with signing a contract.”
- “Yes, to make sure the patient is clear about what they are getting into. The withdrawal symptoms are hell, and sometimes worse than the original condition.”
Other: 59 citizens addressed their comments to related questions and issues.
Most of these individuals talked about the degree to which pain contracts are already in use in New Hampshire:
- “My appendix burst two weeks ago [and] I had to sign a contract [to] go home with painkillers.”
- “They do this a lot for long term pain management. Helps take some liability away from the [doctors] and drug makers.”
- “This is already being done at pain management facilities. You sign it saying you won't drink alcohol, sell your scripts, or abuse the scripts or they will not treat you.”
*Editor selection of actual participant quotes.
