Marshfield Medical Center recognized the importance of developing a policy to provide guidance on prescribing practices for acute and chronic pain management opioids. 
This recognition was elevated to a Marshfield Clinic Health System-level effort, which resulted in the Health System implementing policy and systems change focused on using and prescribing opioids in hospital and clinic settings.
The Health System, in February 2019, revised and accepted The Opioid Prescribing Policy. Its scope and purpose was based on key elements of the State of Wisconsin Medical Examining Board policy on opioid prescribing for non-cancer pain. 
The goal was to minimize potential risk to all patients and individuals who may be around patients who could be intentionally or unintentionally exposed to opioid medications. Providers are encouraged to implement best practices for responsible prescribing. 
A critical part of implementing and sustaining systems change with opioid prevention within the Health System was ensuring the continual active participation of Marshfield Medical Center staff in community coalitions. 
Staff participated in the Wood County Drug Task Force, Alcohol Workgroup, Marijuana Workgroup, AOD Prevention Partnership and AOD Steering Committee, helping with educational presentations, community events as well as policy, environmental and systems change.