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Pain contracts for opioid prescriptions?

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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

217 citizens responded 132 citizens were opposed to requiring pain contracts29 citizens were in favor of requiring pain contracts 56 citizens said other
What Participants Said

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.

Read the full Facebook discussion of this question.

Click here for details on our methodology

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