Q A growing issue among baby boomers and older populations involves the use of prescription pain medication. The newest regulations require a monthly office visit to see the prescribing specialist (a family practitioner can’t prescribe on-going pain medication) before a prescription can be written (up from quarterly office visits previously required). For people on limited income, this becomes a financial issue and is definitely a concern in terms of access. Clearly something had to be done to reduce the abuse of opioid medications. However, the increased regulations may have backfired as now we are seeing a renewed heroin use epidemic. In thinking about the NASW code of ethics with regard to the dignity and worth of the person, what would you recommend with regard to revisions to these laws?