U.S. tightens its rules for opioid prescriptions for federal employees

WASHINGTON — The government’s employee health plan will tighten its rules for covering prescription opioid painkillers starting this fall, the Trump administration said Monday.

The announcement by a senior administration official was part of a White House drug policy briefing. The official spoke on condition of anonymity under the media coverage rules established for the event.

The U.S. Federal Employees Health Benefit Program is the world’s largest job-based health plan, covering an estimated nine million people, including workers, retirees and family members.

Patients dealing with intractable pain from diseases such as cancer will still be able to get opioid painkillers, but the new policy is geared to preventing over-prescribing to people who might just need the drugs for a short period of time.

Opioid painkillers prescribed following a surgery unwittingly became a gateway for some people caught up in the opioid epidemic. Unused drugs could also wind up being used by a family member or acquaintance who had become addicted.

Under the new policy, the initial prescription will be for a seven-day supply, instead of up to 30 days, the official said. Patients will be able get up to three refills of seven days apiece. Formal reauthorization that involves consulting a clinical professional will be required every 28 days.

Administration officials said the federal government is following the lead of several states that have already restricted opioid prescriptions for their employees.