This bill amends the "Uniform Controlled Substances Act" to update the regulations for prescribing and dispensing controlled substances. It specifies the information required on a valid prescription, such as patient or animal owner's full name and address, and prescriber's details. The bill mandates that prescriptions for schedule II substances must be filed separately, cannot be refilled, and must be retained for two years for inspection. It introduces requirements for electronic prescriptions, which will be mandatory from January 1, 2020, and allows for facsimile transmission of prescriptions for schedule II substances under certain conditions. Oral prescriptions for schedules III, IV, and V substances are permitted with specific recording and filing requirements, and emergency dispensing of schedule II substances is allowed with a written follow-up prescription required within seven days. Partial filling of schedule II prescriptions is permitted with a 72-hour window for completion.

The bill also addresses the dispensing of controlled substances to terminally ill patients and those in long-term care facilities, requiring pharmacists to record the patient's status on the prescription. Schedule II prescriptions for these patients are valid for up to 60 days from the issue date. It includes new legal language effective January 1, 2025, in line with DEA regulations, allowing DEA-registered pharmacies to transfer electronic prescriptions at a patient's request. The bill requires the Department of Health to update its regulations accordingly and to develop guidelines for prescribers to discuss opioid prescription risks with patients or their guardians. The bill will become effective upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7566  SUB A as amended: 21-28-3.18
7566  SUB A: 21-28-3.18
7566: 21-28-3.18