ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HB 2549: controlled substances; dosage limit

PRIME SPONSOR: Representative Carter, LD 15

BILL STATUS: House Engrossed

Abstract

Relating to prescriptions and dosage limitations.

Provisions

1. Stipulates that a health professional may issue a prescription that exceeds 90 MMEs if the consulting physician who is board-certified in pain agrees with the higher dose. (Sec. 1)

2. Clarifies that the 90 MME limitation applies to prescriptions, rather than prescription orders. (Sec. 1)

3. Exempts prescriptions capped at a 14-day supply that are issued following a surgical procedure from the 90 mme per day limitation. (sec. 1)

4. Clarifies that the 90 MME limit applies to prescriptions that are filled or dispensed outside of a health care institution. (sec. 1)

5. States that a health care institution, private office or clinic must apply to ADHS for licensure as a pain clinic within 60 days of meeting the statutory definition of a pain clinic. (Sec. 2)

6. Allows a nurse practitioner with advanced pain certification to act as a medical director of a pain clinic. (Sec. 2)

7. Makes conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

Current Law

New prescription orders for opioids are prohibited from containing more than 90 MMEs per day. Exemptions from the 90 MME per day limitation are provided for specified individuals and continuations of an existing prescription that was issued within the last 60 days.  If a health professionals determines that a prescription containing more than 90 MMEs is necessary, the health professional must consult with an allopathic or osteopathic physician who is board-certified in pain (A.R.S. § 32-3248.01 as added by Laws 2018, First Special Session, Chapter 1, Section 29).

---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------

Fifty-third Legislature                  HB 2549

Second Regular Session                               Version 3: House Engrossed

---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------