Title: Recommendations

Context:
Given the recognized risks of opioid therapy, an optimal approach to care should include a robust,  signature informed consent process that is patient-centered and provides patients with information about  known benefits and harms of OT and treatment alternatives. In 2014, VA established a requirement for  signature informed consent, consistent with VA policy for other treatments or procedures with a  significant risk of complications or morbidity. See Appendix A, Taking Opioids Responsibly for Your Safety  and the Safety of Others: Patient Information Guide on Long-term Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain (found  at http://www.healthquality.va.gov/guidelines/Pain/cot/OpiodTheraphyforChronicPainPatientTool20May20 13print.pdf), and 38 C.F.R. §17.32 (2012).

Question: Given the recognized risks of opioid therapy, what should be included in an optimal approach to care?

Answer: a robust,  signature informed consent process that is patient-centered and provides patients with information about  known benefits and harms of OT and treatment alternatives