Seven-Day Limit on Initial Opioid Prescriptions for Acute Pain
Since July 2016, New York State has limited the initial supply of opioids that can be prescribed for acute pain to seven days. Acute pain is defined as pain, whether resulting from disease, accidental or intentional trauma, or other cause, that the practitioner reasonably expects to last only a short period of time. This rule does not include prescribing for chronic pain. Chronic pain is defined as pain being treated as a part of cancer care, hospice or other end-of-life care, or pain being treated as part of palliative care practices.
Upon any subsequent consultations for the same pain, the practitioner may issue, in accordance with existing rules and regulations, any appropriate renewal, refill, or new prescription for an opioid.
The New York State Department of Health provides information about the requirements for opioid prescribing, treatment guidelines and education.
Prescriber Information & Requirements
Educational Resources