Impact of State Laws Restricting Opioid Duration on Characteristics of New Opioid Prescriptions

Following implementation of 7-day opioid duration limits for opioid-naïve patients in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York in 2016, pooled analysis showed a decreased probability of initiating a >7-day prescription and shorter opioid duration, though without an immediate reduction in total morphine equivalent dose. Between-state heterogeneity was notable, with Massachusetts and Connecticut showing immediate declines in opioid duration while New York’s effect was delayed, suggesting variable implementation and enforcement of these laws across states.