ASA Offers Congress Recommendations to Address the Opioid Epidemic

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has offered recommendations for Congress to address the opioid epidemic through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services programs.

The recommendations include increasing funding for research, adding coverage for nonopioid therapies, and providing congressional support for educational programs for perioperative opioid-sparing practices.

“With a unique understanding of the intricacies of short-term pain management, nonopioid alternative treatment strategies and long-term pain management, physician anesthesiologists’ role in the delivery of care makes us integral to reducing opioid use throughout the perioperative period and upon discharge after surgery,” said James Grant, MD, MBA, FASA, the president of the ASA. “We’re committed to combating the ongoing crisis by reducing patients’ reliance on opioids and supporting evidence-based treatment options to address our patients’ health care needs in a safe and effective manner.”

The recommendations, which focus on increasing access and implementation of nonopioid therapies and practices, were created at the request of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance.