Mark Meadows introduces bill that would limit opioid prescriptions to seven days

Rep. Mark Meadows, North Carolina Republican, recently introduced bill that would limit initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to seven days, except in cases of traumatic injury, chronic conditions or a doctor’s specific recommendation.

“Most addictions start after the seventh day. And a lot of times when physicians do a surgery, they just do a 30-day prescription,” Mr. Meadows said.

Those remaining 21 days are a concern, since too many Americans unwittingly get hooked on prescription opioids and — in some cases — later turn to cheaper heroin.