New opiate regulations go into effect for the state of Delaware

New regulations have gone into effect that will help doctors and pharmacists fight misuse and over-prescription of opioid medications in Delaware.

The requirements are to control the amount of opiates given to new patients and to look after their treatment. The rules include that first time opiate prescriptions for acute cases may not exceed a week supply under the new rules.

If more prescriptions are needed — further action such as a physical exam with discussion of relevant patient history and opiate risk is needed along with a check of a statewide prescription monitoring database.