                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

BOARD TO ADOPT REGULATIONS RELATED TO PRESCRIBING OF OPIOIDS (§ 54.1-2708.4)

The Board shall adopt regulations for the prescribing of opioids, which shall
include guidelines for:

1. The treatment of acute pain, which shall include (i) requirements for an
appropriate patient history and evaluation, (ii) limitations on dosages or day
supply of drugs prescribed, (iii) requirements for appropriate documentation in
the patient&#8217;s health record, and (iv) a requirement that the prescriber
request and review information contained in the Prescription Monitoring Program
in accordance with &#xA7; 54.1-2522.1;

2. The treatment of chronic pain, which shall include, in addition to the
requirements for treatment of acute pain set forth in subdivision 1,
requirements for (i) development of a treatment plan for the patient, (ii) an
agreement for treatment signed by the provider and the patient that includes
permission to obtain urine drug screens, and (iii) periodic review of the
treatment provided at specific intervals to determine the continued
appropriateness of such treatment; and

3. Referral of patients to whom opioids are prescribed for substance abuse
counseling or treatment, as appropriate.

HISTORY: 2017, cc. 291, 682.