Lincoln – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services continues to take action to help prevent prescription drug overdose in Nebraska. The department developed and is now releasing a new opioid prescribing resource for providers.

“Although opioids can be a useful option for pain management, inappropriate use can result in significant harms,” said Dr. Tom Williams, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for DHHS. “This guidance document will assist in making clinical decisions easier and provide effective options to treat pain while ensuring patient safety.”

The Nebraska Pain Management Guidance Document promotes consistent, safe and effective pain management standards for Nebraska prescribers. It is not a requirement, rather it’s a tool for clinicians to voluntarily use. The document includes information on treating acute pain, chronic pain, and non-opioid options for pain treatment, treating pain in special populations, and opioid tapering/discontinuation.

DHHS worked with partners including the Nebraska Medical Association and professional boards and physicians to create the pain management guidance which is being shared with all health care providers who prescribe and dispense prescription medication. Provider training is also in development. 

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