New York Workers’ Compensation Board Announces New Hearing Process for Opioid Weaning Issues
Nov 12, 2016 -- Posted by :Recognizing that opioid addiction is a major public health crisis, the New York Workers’ Compensation Board yesterday announced a new hearing process to address opioid weaning issues. In 2014, the Board implemented the “Non-Acute Pain Medical Treatment Guidelines” (“MTG”) to address opioid usage in workers’ compensation claims.
As the “Non-Acute Pain Medical Treatment Guildeines” makes clear, long-term opioid use is only recommended in limited circumstances, and must involve constant clinical monitoring and re-evaluation. The guidelines also includes best practices for safely weaning injured workers from opioids and other narcotics.
Requesting a Hearing
Under the new process, the insurance carrier or self-insured employer can now request a hearing to address whether the claimant should be weaned from opioids. In order to request the hearing, the Board requires an IME report or Records Review, “which indicates weaning goals and recommended weaning program or resource” be submitted with the RFA-2.
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