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Elgin-Area Hospital Tightens ER Rules For Opioids

Susan Stephens
/
WNIJ

The nation's opioid epidemic has prompted Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin to start enforcing strict rules on what kind of drugs can be dispensed in the emergency room.  

The Courier-News reportsthat the hospital and its satellite facilities won't prescribe long-acting opioids or anything other than a short dose of the painkillers. It also won't allow refills of any lost, stolen or destroyed prescriptions.  The new rules also prohibit emergency-room caregivers from using the painkiller Dilaudid except for cancer patients or those who have suffered major trauma.

Similar policies are in place at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.