States likely to resist CDC proposal easing opioid access
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month proposed new guidelines that would ease restrictions on prescription opioids, but states might balk at lifting limits on them, writes Christine Vestal of Stateline.org. The proposed recommendations aim to give millions of patients better access to the opioid painkillers their doctors say they need, while cautioning against starting any new patients on the highly addictive drugs unless nothing else works. In its new guidelines, the CDC stresses that physicians should never abandon patients who seek higher doses or longer use of painkillers than the existing recommendations. EMS1
Contract extended for Michigan township policeman fired after on-duty injury
The employment contract of a DeWitt Township, Michigan policeman who, in early 2020, was struck head-on at 70 mph by a suspect fleeing in her vehicle while he was on duty, has been extended. Since his injury, the officer has been waiting on a necessary hip replacement to get back to work and was told last month that, with no return to work date scheduled, he would be fired after 14 years of service. Fox 47
Illinois: Evidence of no proximate cause supported dismissal of legal malpractice claim
Last month, an Illinois appellate court upheld the trial court’s decision to dismiss a legal malpractice suit on the grounds proof negating proximate cause could be used as an affirmative matter to dismiss the case, write two attorneys with Novack and Macey LLP. The plaintiff had retained the defendant attorney to represent him in proceedings under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, and alleged the the attorney negligently breached his duty of care by failing to comply with an Illinois Supreme Court rule. JD Supra
Illinois lawmaker urges grain bin safety
Illinois state Sen. Patrick Joyce, who serves as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is trying to raise awareness of Grain Bin Safety Week among his constituents. According to a press release from his office, Illinois led the nation in 2020 in grain bin and elevator rescues when fire departments across the state responded to a dozen rescues. Kankakee Times