PAMED and other key stakeholders developed voluntary prescribing guidelines in 2014 for the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain and the emergency department.

Since that time, additional guidelines have been developed by the state and stakeholders, and some existing guidelines like chronic, non-cancer pain and emergency department have been revised.

The most recent updates were made on Oct. 5, 2020 to the following guidelines: Safe Administration of Subanesthetic Ketamine, Treatment of Acute and Chronic Pain in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease, and Treating Pain in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder.

Check out all of Pennsylvania's opioid prescribing guidelines below.

Note: These guidelines are voluntary and not intended to replace a physician's clinical judgment. They encourage health care providers to incorporate several best practices when caring for patients receiving opioids for the treatment of pain.