Opioid clinical policy for Apple Health (Medicaid) takes effect Nov. 1 2017

October 23, 2017

Opioid use disorder (misuse and addiction) is a public health crisis in Washington State and across the country. In October 2016, Governor Inslee issued Executive Order 16-09, marshalling the state’s resources to combat this crisis. These efforts include preventing opioid use disorder as well as treating it.

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is implementing an opioid clinical policy as part of our state’s response to the opioid crisis. The policy is a prevention and patient safety tool.

The policy aligns with recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, the Washington State Agency Medical Directors Group, and the Bree Collaborative around safe and appropriate opioid prescribing.

The focus is on opiate-naïve patients and on the transition from acute to chronic use since these are critical to reducing long-term opiate use and the risk of developing opiate use disorder.

To read the policy, access prescriber and pharmacist resource materials, or download a patient handout, please visit HCA’s website: www.hca.wa.gov/billers-providers/programs-and-services/opioids