2020 has brought in new opioid regulatory measures in Australia to support clinically sound and appropriate opioid prescribing practices.
Issues around prescription opioid use and misuse in Australia
“The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA’s) new opioid measures include smaller pack sizes to be registered from January 2020 and available once medicine sponsors can bring them to market. Updated clinical indications for prescribing fentanyl patches and enhanced safety warnings and product information on all opioids will be phased in through the first half of 2020.”
Opioid claims are increasing
- Claims that deal with opioid prescribing practices are increasing. This reflects the problems that result from prescribing opioids due to patient characteristics, legislative requirements, polypharmacy and success of other medications.
- The main issue is clinically inappropriate prescriptions. This just showcases the need for specificity when treating pain in patients.
- It is true that not prescribing opioids resulted in fewer claims and better claims outcomes.
- Doctors and nurses must be aware and comply with regulations and new measures.
Tego insurance wants you to know the facts about the new legislation and regulation
As experts in medical practice insurance, medical malpractice insurance and medical indemnity insurance, we want you to be up to date on the new laws and regulations concerning the measures. Below are a few changes:
Smaller pack sizes
- Patients who require long-term pain relief from opioids, such as those with cancer and in palliative care, will still be able to access the same opioid pack sizes currently available. Injectable forms of opioids will continue to be accessed as they are now.
Updated indication for fentanyl patches
- Tighter indications for prescribing fentanyl patches will come into effect in the first half of 2020.
New warnings and tighter indications
- Safety information and warnings will also be prominently displayed in the Consumer Medicines Information to ensure consistency of language and information across all prescription opioids.
Tego insurance doesn’t want you in the dark
It is essential that you know the issues and regulation in regards to opioid prescriptions.
We offer medical indemnity insurance for medical practitioners and are experts in the Australian medical industry.
The team at Tego Insurance are ready to help you understand the new regulations about opioid prescriptions. With the laws changing, you need to protect not only your patients rights and well-being, but also your business and livelihood. From Doctors indemnity insurance and medical professional indemnity insurance to GP medical indemnity insurance, we are experts that provide leading cover with more choice, innovation and greater flexibility. Contact us to find out more.
This publication is general in nature and is not comprehensive or constitute legal or medical advice. You should seek legal, medical or other professional advice before relying on any content, and practice proper clinical decision making with regard to individual circumstances. Persons implementing any recommendations contained in this publication must exercise their own independent skill or judgment or seek appropriate professional advice relevant to their own particular practice. Compliance with any recommendations will not in any way guarantee discharge of the duty of care owed to patients and others coming into contact with the health professional or practice. Tego Insurance Pty Ltd is not responsible to you or anyone else for any loss suffered in connection with the use of this information.