Tragedy has a way of spurring unexpected outcomes bringing people together from all walks of life and disciplines. Here are my observations on the paradigm shifts happening throughout workers’ compensation partly due to the global tragedy that is the opioid epidemic.
The U.S. House of Representatives has held numerous information-gathering meetings. The divide that exists between state and federal government has never been more clear as the feds turn their focus on the success that state workers’ compensation systems are having in the war on opioid abuse. But, are all aspects of the crisis being considered?
Pennsylvania, who is hosting one of the fiercest battles in the war on opioids, will not adopt a nationally recognized evidence-based medicine drug formulary. Is this the outcome of Pennsylvania politics, the right move to preserve the doctor to patient relationship?
The importance of the National Guideline Clearinghouse™ (NGC) cannot be validated by someone continuing the work. Its importance was established in 2008 by U.S. Congress. Without appropriate oversight in the development of this content, anything might be called “quality” imperiling the well-being of injured workers. Here is my take on why “WorkComp Needs Quality Measures for Clinical Practice Guidelines”.
Sitting in a crowded legislative committee and listening to parties debate a bill inspired me to ask myself a very important question: When all is said and done and my actions are measured, am I truly a worker advocate? The… Read More ›
Is there a correlation between America’s increased #Suicide rates and the #OpioidEpidemic? The negative effects of inappropriately prescribed #Opioids on public health are multiple. However, the data shows that there is a promising #PatientCentric solution that is highly effective in preventing the inappropriate first exposure to opioids for #Patients.
The national #WorkersCompensation community is at risk of losing the plot of the #OpioidEpidemic. The assault against opioid abuse may be relying too much on over-simplified medicine. It is essential to expand the conversation to emphasize the importance of the overall care of a patient and improve the tracking of health outcomes. The discussion can no longer be just about drugs and potential savings.
As Louisiana HB 592 moves through legislature, Texas’ workers’ compensation system is again the center of national discussion. Texas Commissioner Ryan Brennan doubled down on advocacy for other states to adopt the Texas-model formulary proclaiming it “a model for the nation” and “the inspiration for many other states’ proposed formularies” citing improvements in return-to-work, medical costs and access to care. Surely, a system as unique as Texas relies on more than a binary list of drugs to accomplish the outcomes documented in its 2016 biennial report. Here is “The Truth Regarding Outcomes in Texas and the Guideline Never Discussed”. Due to reference of the Texas Labor Code, I welcome feedback specifically from the legal community on this piece.
The debate in Louisiana on a drug formulary continues. While HB 592 is being sent to House floor for a vote early next week, HB 529 remains in waiting. Here are my thoughts on why the Texas-model may not produce the expected results in Louisiana.
Is the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s National Guideline Clearinghouse still relevant? Read my latest write-up on this very important subject published in the Louisiana Comp Blog.
Carlos Luna News 