This situation is a perfect example of government dicking around with symptoms instead of having the nerve to tackle the root problems.

This started with physicians who got their drug information from pharma reps, who visited their offices, NOT from sound, peer-reviewed research

Many/most of whom subsequently did not responsibly monitor the dosage, duration, frequency, disposal, & overall use of things like fentanyl patches

Many/most of whom have not one whit--not one--of education or training in preventing, recognizing, or responding appropriately to substance misuse in their patients. This is one of the core problems. 
We MUST have mandatory education & training (as above) in every step of all physicians' development & practice.

We MUST have mandatory & effective quality control of physicians' performance, based on patient outcomes, BY INDEPENDENT BODIES, not their colleges. With rewards & punishments. This is the other core problem.

Physicians are not sacrosanct--demand better!