Page 1 - Overview of Tennessee Opioid Prescribing Laws Flipbook

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Frequently Asked Questions 2019 HHS Opioid Tapering Flowchart

Overview of Tennessee Opioid

Prescribing Laws

a Does SVMIC have a sample opioid consent form? pain guidelines have requirements for urine drug screening,
Yes. Visit svmic.com and search for sample opioid trial with a minimum of twice annually.
informed consent.
a What are the requirements for checking the CSMD?
a Can a prescriber request a partial fill of opioids? Generally, the law requires the prescriber or his/her
Yes. The law authorizes the healthcare practitioner who is healthcare practitioner extender to check the database before
prescribing an opioid to indicate partial fill by placing “partial prescribing an opioid or benzodiazepine:

fill” or “PF” on the prescription. NOTE: The subsequent • At the beginning of a new episode of treatment
fill must occur at the pharmacy that initially dispensed the • Prior to the issuance of each new prescription for the first
partial fill within six (6) months from issuance of the original ninety (90) days of a new episode of treatment, and
prescription, unless contrary to federal law. • At least every six (6) months when that prescribed
controlled substance remains part of treatment.
a *What is meant by “major physical trauma”?

A serious injury sustained due to blunt or penetrating force a Are there any exceptions?
which results in serious blood loss, fracture, significant Prescribers are not required to check the CSMD if one or more
temporary or permanent impairment, or disability. of these conditions is met (partial list only):
• The quantity of the controlled substance does not exceed
a *What is meant by “severe burn”? an amount which is adequate for a single, three-day
An injury sustained from thermal or chemical causes treatment period and does not allow a refill
resulting in second degree or third degree burns. • The controlled substance is prescribed for a patient who
is currently receiving hospice care
a *What is meant by “palliative care”? • The controlled substance is prescribed for administration
This document summarizes many of the laws and guidelines important to Tennessee directly to a patient during the course of inpatient or NOTE: This is a new 2019 HHS recommendation, not a Tennessee law requirement.
prescribers regarding the use of opioids to manage pain. It provides instruction on Specialized treatment for patients facing serious illness, residential treatment in a hospital or nursing home
controlled substance prescribing guidelines, a checklist of additional requirements for which focuses on providing relief of suffering through a
multidisciplinary approach in order to maximize quality of
opioid prescriptions, and frequently asked questions as well as tools and a link to valuable life for the patient. Serious illness means a health condition a May I check the CSMD prior to accepting a patient into my
practice?
resources. that carries a high risk of mortality and negatively impacts a
patient’s daily bodily functions. Generally, yes. The law allows a healthcare practitioner
to check the CSMD to the extent the information relates
a Am I required to obtain a urine drug screen? specifically to a current or bona fide prospective patient Electronic Prescribing is Coming
of the healthcare practitioner, to whom the healthcare
Urine drug screening is not required before starting opioid practitioner has prescribed or dispensed, is prescribing,
medication for short-term therapy. Depending on the dispensing, approving of the prescribing or dispensing,
patient’s history, there may be a professional responsibility to or considering prescribing or dispensing any controlled
obtain a urine drug screen prior to opioid therapy. However, substance. Be mindful to avoid practices that could be
pain management clinic rules and the Tennessee chronic viewed as discriminatory.

a Effective January 1, 2021, electronic prescribing is mandatory for all Schedule
II, III, IV, and V prescriptions (with some exceptions).

a For additional information on various prescribing topics and continuing

ContactSVMIC@svmic.com education requirements, please visit this link: www.svmic.com/prescribingCME
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800.342.2239 | svmic.com