the cdc has issued guidelines because of the dimensions of the opiod epidemic.  there is very little to no evidence supporting the use of chronic opioids for chronic pain, which is now the majority of prescribing practice.  the database is simply the start; other measures are mandatory use of controlled substance agreements, drug screens, non-opioid and non-pharmaceutical alternatives, risk stratification, and requiring prior authorizations for specific morphine milligram equivalents.  contrary to what some persons state, all people using opioids on a chronic basis develop dependence, and many develop hyperalgesia; some develop addiction.  there is no justification for large amounts of chronic opioids in non-malignant pain.