---
title: The Current State of Opioid Prescribing for Chronic Pain
description: This article uses NORCAL Group data to support pain treatment plans that optimize function, quality of life, and productivity while minimizing risks for opioid misuse and harm.
---

[Claims Rx Directory | NORCAL Group ](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx)

# [The Current State of Opioid Prescribing for Chronic Pain](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/opioids-for-chronic-pain)

 Written by [NORCAL Group](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/author/norcal-group) | Sep 1, 2020

NORCAL Group claims involving opioid therapy in chronic pain management patients generally involve overdose deaths. Allegations supporting negligence claims against physicians include: excessive opioid prescribing; failure to refer the patient for pain management, addiction, and/or behavioral health treatment; failure to discover the patient was doctor shopping; failure to recognize suicide risk; and negligent tapering. This article uses NORCAL Group closed claims, policyholder inquiries, and a recent medical board action to support pain treatment plans that optimize function, quality of life, and productivity while minimizing risks for opioid misuse and harm.

| **CASE ONE** Prescribing Opioids to a Patient with Opioid Use Disorder **CASE TWO** Prescribing Opioids for Pain vs. Treating the Underlying Causes of Pain | **CASE THREE**  Chronic Pain and Suicide **CASE FOUR**  Opioid Tapering Prompted by Misunderstood Guidelines |
| --- | --- |

 

[View full post](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/opioids-for-chronic-pain)

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