An executive order has been issued by the Arizona Governor Doug Ducey to limit opioid prescriptions for employees insured through the State of Arizona and individuals insured through the state's Medicaid program, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).

According to a news release from the governor's office, the order limits the first fill of prescription opioids to seven days and limits all fills for children, except those suffering from cancer, traumatic injury or  chronic disease.

Ducey said in a prepared statement, that, “This action is essential to help prevent future drug addictions.”

“The numbers are staggering. In 2015, 401 people in Arizona more than 1 a day died from prescription opioid overdoses. And in 2013 there were enough prescription pain medications dispensed to medicate every adult in Arizona around the clock for two weeks."

The order was signed by Ducey on the Capitol lawn. The move is a part of national Red Ribbon Week, focusing on drug prevention.

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Nandini