WCRI to Present Research on Prescription Drug Use in State Workers' Comp Systems at National Rx Drug Abuse Summit

Dr. Richard Victor, executive director of the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), will present the Institute's findings on longer-term use of opioids by injured workers as well as early evidence of the impact of pain treatment guidelines. This session will take place on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 in National Ballroom C from 12:30p.m.–1:45p.m.

“It is an honor to be joining so many distinguished individuals at such an important forum,” said Dr. Richard Victor, WCRI's Executive Director. “The research WCRI has done on prescription medications in the treatment of injured workers shows us that many physicians are not following recommended guidelines to monitor use, abuse, and diversion. The result is wide variation in the length of narcotics use by injured workers across different states.”

WCRI will join members of the U.S. Congress, as well as many other federal, state, and local officials at the Summit:

• Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City
• R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy
• Dr. Thomas Frieden, Director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Dr. Nora D. Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Joseph T. Rannazzisi, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Diversion Control, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency

“We are pleased to have the WCRI presenting their research at the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit,” said Karen Kelly, CEO of Operation UNITE, the organization hosting the conference. “For decades, WCRI has been providing the public with objective, credible, and high quality research regarding the care that injured workers are given. Since prescription drugs is a large part of the treatment that injured workers receive, it is essential that we involve them in this discussion.”

The National Rx Drug Abuse Summit is taking place at the Omni Orlando Resort, April 1–4, 2013. It is considered the largest national collaboration of professionals from local, state, and federal agencies; businesses; academia; clinicians; treatment providers; counselors; educators; state and national leaders; and advocates impacted by prescription drug abuse. This year's summit will focus on ways everyone can make an impact in the fight against prescription drug abuse.

ABOUT WCRI:

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization based in Cambridge, MA. Founded in 1983, the WCRI is recognized as a leader in providing high-quality, credible, and objective information about public policy issues involving workers' compensation systems. WCRI's diverse membership includes employers; insurers; governmental entities; managed care companies; health care providers; insurance regulators; state labor organizations; and state administrative agencies in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. For more information, visit: http://www.wcrinet.org.