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State Law on Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancerous Pain

Summary of recent (2018) changes in opioid prescribing regulations in Mississippi

1. Review the Mississippi Prescription Monitoring Program database (MPMP) prior to each outpatient opioid or benzodiazepine prescription. Note: The MPMP does not include controlled substances administered in a clinic, inpatient, or emergency department setting.
2. Document review of the MPMP in the patient’s chart upon initial controlled substance prescription and at least every 3 months thereafter (exceptions include: amphetamines for patients <16 y/o, Lomotil^®, Lyrica^®, pseudoephedrine, and testosterone).
3. Order point of service drug testing 3 times per year if prescribing Schedule II opioids for chronic non-cancerous/non-terminal pain, or benzodiazepines for chronic psychiatric or medical conditions.
4. Limit each prescription for acute pain opioid treatment to 3-10 days.
5. Strive to keep opioid total below 50 Morphine Milligram Equivalent (MME)/day and avoid 90 MME/day or greater for chronic non-cancerous/non-terminal pain.
6. Refer patient for a consultation with a pain specialist if 100 MME/day or greater is indicated for chronic non-cancerous/non-terminal pain in order to verify or optimize the current treatment plan.
7. Avoid prescribing benzodiazepines, opioids and/or carisoprodol together.

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