Enter into a pain management contract with the patient if medically necessary.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for non-opioids
• D. Only for inpatients

Answer: (A)

Risk management in pain treatment involves using a pain management contract when medically necessary. A written contract formalizes expectations for safe and responsible use of controlled substances, outlines monitoring steps (such as follow-up visits and, if needed, drug testing), and specifies what happens if terms aren’t followed. It helps protect both patient and clinician by clarifying dosing rules, refill policies, storage and disposal of medications, and consequences for noncompliance, while documenting informed consent and the treatment plan. This approach isn’t limited to non-opioids or to inpatient care; it applies whenever opioid or other controlled-substance therapy is indicated and deemed necessary.