{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-3408.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-3408.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-3408.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-3408.1.html"}],"law_id":82403,"edition_id":1,"section_id":82403,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.1","catch_line":"Prescription in excess of recommended dosage in certain cases","history":"1988, c. 870, \u00a7 54-524.65:1; 1990, c. 681; 1995, c. 277.","full_text":"In the case of a patient with intractable pain, a physician may prescribe a dosage in excess of the recommended dosage of a pain relieving agent if he certifies the medical necessity for such excess dosage in the patient&#8217;s medical record. Any person who prescribes, dispenses or administers an excess dosage in accordance with this section shall not be in violation of the provisions of this title because of such excess dosage, if such excess dosage is prescribed, dispensed or administered in good faith for accepted medicinal or therapeutic purposes.\n\t\tNothing in this section shall be construed to grant any person immunity from investigation or disciplinary action based on the prescription, dispensing or administration of an excess dosage in violation of this title.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":295244,"text":"In the case of a patient with intractable pain, a physician may prescribe a dosage in excess of the recommended dosage of a pain relieving agent if he certifies the medical necessity for such excess dosage in the patient&#8217;s medical record. Any person who prescribes, dispenses or administers an excess dosage in accordance with this section shall not be in violation of the provisions of this title because of such excess dosage, if such excess dosage is prescribed, dispensed or administered in good faith for accepted medicinal or therapeutic purposes.\n\t\tNothing in this section shall be construed to grant any person immunity from investigation or disciplinary action based on the prescription, dispensing or administration of an excess dosage in violation of this title.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13871,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13240,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:08","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:08","permalink":{"id":243225,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13871,"identifier":"1","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1","url":"\/54.1\/III\/34\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13240,"edition_id":1,"name":"Drug Control Act","identifier":"34","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12758,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:30","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:30","permalink":{"id":243223,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13240,"identifier":"34","token":"54.1\/III\/34","url":"\/54.1\/III\/34\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12758,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards Within the Department of Health Professions","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":241105,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12758,"identifier":"III","token":"54.1\/III","url":"\/54.1\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":77846,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3400","catch_line":"Citation","url":"\/54.1-3400\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3400","metadata":false},{"id":59669,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3401","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-3401\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3401","metadata":false},{"id":73061,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3401.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-3401.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3401.1","metadata":false},{"id":67762,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3402","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-3402\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3402","metadata":false},{"id":66637,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3403","catch_line":"Chapter not applicable to economic poisons","url":"\/54.1-3403\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3403","metadata":false},{"id":64371,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3404","catch_line":"Inventories of controlled substances required of certain persons; contents and form of record","url":"\/54.1-3404\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3404","metadata":false},{"id":55711,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3405","catch_line":"Access to and copies of records; inspections","url":"\/54.1-3405\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3405","metadata":false},{"id":69269,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3406","catch_line":"Records confidential; disclosure of information about violations of federal law","url":"\/54.1-3406\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3406","metadata":false},{"id":62600,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3407","catch_line":"Analysis of controlled substances","url":"\/54.1-3407\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3407","metadata":false},{"id":77665,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408","catch_line":"Professional use by practitioners","url":"\/54.1-3408\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408","metadata":false},{"id":68723,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.01","catch_line":"Requirements for prescriptions","url":"\/54.1-3408.01\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.01","metadata":false},{"id":69355,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.02","catch_line":"Transmission of prescriptions","url":"\/54.1-3408.02\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.02","metadata":false},{"id":81842,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.03","catch_line":"Dispensing of therapeutically equivalent drug product permitted","url":"\/54.1-3408.03\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.03","metadata":false},{"id":61115,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.04","catch_line":"Dispensing of interchangeable biosimilars permitted","url":"\/54.1-3408.04\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.04","metadata":false},{"id":58824,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.05","catch_line":"Use of FDA-approved substance upon publication of final rule","url":"\/54.1-3408.05\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.05","metadata":false},{"id":82403,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.1","catch_line":"Prescription in excess of recommended dosage in certain cases","url":"\/54.1-3408.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.1","metadata":false},{"id":54900,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.2","catch_line":"Failure to report administration or dispensing of or prescription for controlled substances; report required; penalty","url":"\/54.1-3408.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.2","metadata":false},{"id":66341,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.3","catch_line":"Certification for use of cannabis for treatment","url":"\/54.1-3408.3\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.3","metadata":false},{"id":84329,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.4","catch_line":"Expired","url":"\/54.1-3408.4\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.4","metadata":false},{"id":64050,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.5","catch_line":"Epinephrine required in certain places of public accommodation","url":"\/54.1-3408.5\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.5","metadata":false},{"id":86191,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3409","catch_line":"Professional use by veterinarians","url":"\/54.1-3409\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3409","metadata":false},{"id":83740,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3410","catch_line":"When pharmacist may sell and dispense drugs","url":"\/54.1-3410\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3410","metadata":false},{"id":56420,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3410.1","catch_line":"Requirements for radiopharmaceuticals","url":"\/54.1-3410.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3410.1","metadata":false},{"id":84268,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3410.2","catch_line":"Compounding; pharmacists' authority to compound under certain conditions; labeling and record maintenance requirements","url":"\/54.1-3410.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3410.2","metadata":false},{"id":70552,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3410.3","catch_line":"Accessible prescription labels","url":"\/54.1-3410.3\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3410.3","metadata":false},{"id":77643,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3411","catch_line":"When prescriptions may be refilled","url":"\/54.1-3411\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3411","metadata":false},{"id":61132,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3411.1","catch_line":"Prohibition on returns, exchanges, or re-dispensing of drugs; exceptions","url":"\/54.1-3411.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3411.1","metadata":false},{"id":65473,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3411.2","catch_line":"Prescription drug disposal programs","url":"\/54.1-3411.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3411.2","metadata":false},{"id":86720,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3411.2:1","catch_line":"Guidelines for disposal of unused drugs","url":"\/54.1-3411.2_1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3411.2_1","metadata":false},{"id":79333,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3412","catch_line":"Date of dispensing; 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exemptions","url":"\/54.1-3422\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3422","metadata":false},{"id":87135,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3423","catch_line":"Board to issue registration unless inconsistent with public interest; authorization to conduct research; application and fees","url":"\/54.1-3423\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3423","metadata":false},{"id":59124,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3424","catch_line":"Suspension or revocation of registration, license or permit; limitation to particular controlled substance; controlled substances placed under seal; sale of perishables and forfeiture; notification to DEA","url":"\/54.1-3424\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3424","metadata":false},{"id":83858,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3425","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-3425\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3425","metadata":false},{"id":86762,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3426","catch_line":"Regulations for special packaging","url":"\/54.1-3426\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3426","metadata":false},{"id":85278,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3427","catch_line":"Dispensing drugs without safety closure container","url":"\/54.1-3427\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3427","metadata":false},{"id":68396,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3428","catch_line":"Dissemination of information","url":"\/54.1-3428\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3428","metadata":false},{"id":74207,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3429","catch_line":"Revocation of permit issued to manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor","url":"\/54.1-3429\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3429","metadata":false},{"id":73141,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3430","catch_line":"Display of permit; permits nontransferable; renewal","url":"\/54.1-3430\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3430","metadata":false},{"id":76001,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3431","catch_line":"Admission into evidence of certain certificates of analysis","url":"\/54.1-3431\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3431","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":58824,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.05","catch_line":"Use of FDA-approved substance upon publication of final rule","url":"\/54.1-3408.05\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.05","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":54900,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.2","catch_line":"Failure to report administration or dispensing of or prescription for controlled substances; report required; penalty","url":"\/54.1-3408.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.2","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-3408.1\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1988. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 870 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1988 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1990, chapter 681; in 1995, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?951+ful+CHAP0277\">277<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":74649,"section_number":"38.2-3407.6:1","catch_line":"Denial of benefits for certain prescription drugs prohibited","order_by":null,"url":"\/38.2-3407.6_1\/"},{"id":57814,"section_number":"54.1-2971.01","catch_line":"Prescription in excess of recommended dosage in certain cases","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2971.01\/"},{"id":56308,"section_number":"54.1-2982","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2982\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":243287,"object_type":"law","relational_id":82403,"identifier":"54.1-3408.1","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.1","url":"\/54.1-3408.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-3408.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Prescription in excess of recommended dosage in certain cases","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-3408.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>In the case of a patient with intractable pain, a physician may prescribe a dosage in excess of the recommended dosage of a pain relieving <span class=\"dictionary\">agent<\/span> if he certifies the medical necessity for such excess dosage in the patient&#8217;s medical record. Any <span class=\"dictionary\">person<\/span> who prescribes, <span class=\"dictionary\">dispenses<\/span> or <span class=\"dictionary\">administers<\/span> an excess dosage in accordance with this section shall not be in violation of the provisions of this title because of such excess dosage, if such excess dosage is prescribed, dispensed or administered in good faith for accepted medicinal or therapeutic purposes.\n\t\tNothing in this section shall be construed to grant any <span class=\"dictionary\">person<\/span> immunity from investigation or disciplinary action based on the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescription<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">dispensing<\/span> or administration of an excess dosage in violation of this title.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPRESCRIPTION IN EXCESS OF RECOMMENDED DOSAGE IN CERTAIN CASES (\u00a7 54.1-3408.1)\n\nIn the case of a patient with intractable pain, a physician may prescribe a\ndosage in excess of the recommended dosage of a pain relieving agent if he\ncertifies the medical necessity for such excess dosage in the patient&#8217;s\nmedical record. Any person who prescribes, dispenses or administers an excess\ndosage in accordance with this section shall not be in violation of the\nprovisions of this title because of such excess dosage, if such excess dosage is\nprescribed, dispensed or administered in good faith for accepted medicinal or\ntherapeutic purposes.\n\t\tNothing in this section shall be construed to grant any person immunity from\ninvestigation or disciplinary action based on the prescription, dispensing or\nadministration of an excess dosage in violation of this title.\n\nHISTORY: 1988, c. 870, \u00a7 54-524.65:1; 1990, c. 681; 1995, c. 277.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}