The bill amends Section 20-2-214 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to expand access to the Controlled Substances Prescription Database. Specifically, it allows up to two employees designated by a licensed dentist, who is approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health and has the authority to prescribe, dispense, or administer controlled substances, to access the database on the dentist's behalf. This addition is marked by the new legal language: (4) Up to two employees designated by a licensed dentist approved by the department who has authority to prescribe, dispense, or administer controlled substances, who may access the database on the dentist's behalf. Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions that allow access to the database for various healthcare professionals and law enforcement entities, while also clarifying that practitioners are not required to check the database prior to prescribing or dispensing medications unless mandated by their licensing boards. The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 20-2-214
Enrolled: 20-2-214