The prevalence of longer-term dispensing of opioids has dropped considerably in a number of states that have implemented policies and initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic, according to a new study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute.

The Cambridge, Mass.-based nonprofit tracked the prevalence of longer-term dispensing of opioids in 26 states during two study periods — from 2010 to 2012 and then again from 2013 to 2015 — and found that the prevalence of longer-term opioid dispensing decreased in most study states. WCRI found even more noticeable drops for several states in the 2016 edition of the study, likely due to numerous legislative and regulatory changes within these states aimed at addressing issues related to opioid prescribing and chronic opioid management, both within and outside workers’ compensation.

Key policies include a mandatory check of prescription history in the state prescription drug monitoring program database at the point of prescribing and dispensing opioids; treatment guidelines for prescribing opioids and managing chronic opioid therapy; drug formularies; mandatory provider education focusing on appropriate opioid prescription and pain management; and state laws regulating pain clinics and dispensing of opioids by physicians.