BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin and the state Department of Health are proposing new restrictions that seek to limit the amount of opioid painkillers prescribed by doctors.
Under the proposed rules announced Wednesday, minor procedures would only receive 9 to 12 pills or about three days’ worth of medication on the initial visit.
WCAX-TV reports that larger procedures would have no more than a seven-day supply. Doctors would be allowed to later prescribe more if needed.
Health Commissioner Harry Chen says the proposed rules were developed with input from health care providers, and give doctors flexibility to meet the needs of patients.
The restrictions are designed to lower the amount of drugs circulating in the state.
The rules could be finalized in December pending approval.
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