Provider perceptions of system-level opioid prescribing and addiction treatment policies.

Stakeholders have implemented a multitude of system-level policies to address the U.S. opioid overdose epidemic. Because opioid prescribing partly fueled the crisis and because prescribing of medications for opioid addiction treatment is a key prevention strategy, it is critical to understand prescriber perceptions of policies in these domains. This article reviews prescriber awareness and opinions of the following system-level policies: opioid prescribing guidelines, prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), medications for addiction treatment, and naloxone distribution programs. Most providers are aware of these policies, especially PDMPs, albeit a smaller proportion actively participate in their implementation. Low engagement in certain system-level policies is concerning and deserves attention, given that prescribers play an integral role in achieving optimal impact and mitigating the crisis.