Applicable to hospitals The enhanced pain assessment and management standards include the following new requirements:

• Identify a leader or leadership team that is responsible for pain management and safe opioid prescribing.

• Involve patients in developing their treatment plans and setting realistic expectations and measurable goals.

• Promote safe opioid use by identifying high-risk patients.

• Monitor high-risk patients.

• Facilitate clinician access to prescription drug monitoring program databases.

• Conduct performance improvement activities focusing on pain assessment and management to increase safety and quality for patients.

https://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/HAP_Pain_Ja n2018_Prepub.pdf

Recommendations: Review the revised standards and processes within hospital to address pain management and opioid utilization. Update your policy and procedures as applicable to align with requirements.

Effective: January 1, 2018

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