TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In an effort to combat the opioid epidemic, which just seems to be getting worse, the Florida legislature took proactive steps in fighting this deadly problem during this year’s 2019 legislative session, The Florida Society for Doctors of Oriental Medicine announced today.
The House and Senate both signed off on a bill (HB451) requiring the Florida Department of Health (FS456) to require its licensees, namely any doctor prescribing an opioid, to inform the patient of the alternatives that are available. The new requirement specifically names acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage as alternative options to an opioid. These healthcare practices are licensed and regulated by the Florida State Legislature and the Florida Department of Health.
This is a huge step for the general public’s education about legitimate alternative and natural therapies that are licensed and regulated in Florida.
This legislation also directs the Department of Health to formulate an informational packet so a person struggling with a painful condition can make an informed decision regarding the treatment options that are available. The hope is that these alternatives will reduce the need for addictive drugs, and provide options to taking a potentially deadly opioid prescription.
In the past, any type of alternative treatment was viewed as risky. Decades later we now know that many of these methods are safe, effective, cost efficient and have no harmful side-effects.
About The Florida Society for Doctors of Oriental Medicine:
As pioneers in the licensed practice of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Florida, the Society was formed with one purpose in mind – protect the integrity of this ancient medical art. Florida’s professionals are State licensed and regulated to practice Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine as a form of Primary Health Care according to Florida Law – FS Chapter 457. More information: https://www.fsdom.org/
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