A 45-year-old patient with chronic low back pain, previously managed with ibuprofen, requests stronger pain medication. After a thorough assessment, the physician decides to initiate opioid therapy. Which of the following is an essential component of responsible long-term opioid prescribing?
✓ Correct Answer: Option B
Responsible long-term opioid prescribing includes risk assessment, frequent monitoring for misuse or diversion (e.g., urine drug screens), and utilizing state prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP) to enhance patient safety.