Steve Nichols Dec 10, 2019 a 8:12 am PST

It is a shame that Gov. Edwards and Asst. Secretary Kellar do not recognize the merits of an ODG-based closed drug formulary which has played a major role in reducing the over-prescribing and utilization of dangerous Opioid drugs in Texas and other states. Chronic Pain Treatment Guidelines will likely not get the results Kellar hopes for. They are guidelines and guidelines can be skirted. With 60 percent of Louisiana’s injured workers receiving Opioid drugs, the passage of legislation to mandate the adoption of a closed drug formulary which addresses Opioid drug utilization is the only effective path forward as demonstrated in Texas and other states. It is truly a shame Ho that Gov. Edwards and Asst. Secretary Kellar refuse to see that. The lives of injured workers take Opioid drugs long term and increasing amounts of time are at risk. The only demonstrated and effective fix is an ODG-based closed drug formulary. We got it right in Texas. Louisiana needs to also get it right and not bank on a treatment guideline developed in state.