Inappropriate and/or excessive prescribing of controlled substances, including opioid painkillers, has been a top regulatory priority for NCMB for more than a decade. In recent years, as patient deaths from opioid poisoning have continued to rise, the Board has intensified its efforts on multiple fronts: investigation/enforcement, policy development and education/outreach.

NCMB recognizes that chronic pain is a legitimate medical issue and wants patients to receive safe and appropriate care. Encouraging appropriate prescribing is the Board’s primary objective with regard to opioids.

Find resources and information about NCMB programs to positively impact the opioid crisis below.