The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) in August announced a new clinical policy on opioid prescribing for Apple Health (Medicaid). This new policy takes effect November 1 and is intended to support providers in achieving appropriate opioid prescribing patterns. WSHA and the Washington State Medical Association worked closely with HCA in the development of this new policy.
This collaborative effort ensured that the policy was calibrated in a way that works to address the opioid crisis and supports appropriate opioid prescribing while avoiding strict prior authorization or other policies that could impede treatment. (Ian Corbridge)
