The North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB) is revising its 2004 policy on the use of controlled substances for the treatment of pain and is seeking comment from providers by this Friday, April 25. The new draft policy takes into consideration recent evidence that risk associated with opiates has surged, while evidence for benefits has remained controversial and insufficient.

The NCMB states that the challenges faced by North Carolina licensees who care for patients taking opiates for pain are significant. They reiterate that the Board is committed to helping its licensees meet those challenges successfully. The majority of the updated policy applies to the treatment of chronic pain and the use of opioid analgesics. Guidance for assessing and managing acute pain in primary care is also provided. The Board recognizes that the use of opiates in end of life and palliative care may present unique benefits and risks.

Please send your comments on the policy to [email protected] and please copy Varsha Gadani, North Carolina Medical Society Assistant Counsel, at [email protected].