Louisiana Enacts New Laws Regarding Opioid Prescribing Limits

Louisiana joined several states in enacting new laws limiting the days’ supply of a new opioid medication that can be dispensed. Act 82 states that for adults in outpatient settings with acute conditions, no more than a seven-day supply on a first-time opioid prescription may be prescribed. Opioid prescriptions for minors are limited to a seven- day supply, regardless of the setting. There are certain situations where this limit will not apply, such as in the treatment of chronic pain. This new ruling also requires the prescriber to counsel the patient about the risks associated with opioid use prior to issuing any opioid medications.
Another law, Act 76, requires prescribers or their delegates to access the state PMP (Prescription Monitoring Program) prior to issuing an initial opioid prescription. Prescribers are then required to access the PMP every 90 days if opioid treatment is extended.