Gov. John Kasich is implementing rule changes for the way medical professionals can prescribe opioids. This plan comes just one day after majority Republicans in the House announced a bill that would accomplish many of the same goals.
Kasich’s plan would enact rule changes to limit opioid prescriptions to a 7-day supply for an adult and a 5-day supply for children. He’s adamant these changes are going into effect soon and don’t need legislative approval.
“This is not even a question of proposal. This is it, this is done. It will be enacted and it will be carried out so there’s no proposal here.”
Some G-O-P lawmakers have proposed a bill that also puts limits on doctors writing prescriptions for painkillers. But unlike that bill, Kasich’s plan allows doctors to continue to prescribe opioids beyond just a few days in cases of cancer, palliative or hospice care. And Kasich’s plan has the support of the state’s leading medical organizations.
