South Dakota News: Change to Schedule II Prescribing, Effective July 1, 2006

July 1, 2006 2:10 PM Topics: Controlled substances and Prescribing authority

Published in the July 2006 South Dakota State Board of Pharmacy Newsletter

During the 2006 South Dakota Legislative Session, new language was approved in South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) 36-9A-12, 39-9A-13, and 36-4A-22 removing the 48 hour time limit for the prescription of Schedule II controlled substances by certified nurse practitioners (CNP), certified nurse midwives (CNM), and physician assistants (PA) and replacing it with 30 days. This change became effective July 1, 2006. CNPs, CNMs, and PAs are to continue to work closely with collaborating or supervising physicians in all aspects of practice to ensure safe and effective patient care. The PA, CNP, and CNMs, when caring for patients may, within SDCL 36-9A-12, 39-9A-13, and 36-4A-22,

• Write drug prescriptions.
• Write Schedule II controlled drug/substance prescriptions for one period of not more than 30 days.
• Federal and State Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration is required.
• The limit for Schedule II controlled drug/substance prescriptions is set at 30 days because most insurance companies and Medicare only pay for a 30-day supply. DEA does not allow refills of Schedule II drugs. Therefore, patients must be seen again in 30 days if they need additional medication necessitating another written prescription by their CNP, PA, CNM. The 30 days allows the CNP, PA, and CNM time to consult with the physician concerning the continued care of the client.
• Request and receive drug samples.
• Provide drug samples.
• Provide a limited supply of labeled medications.
• Medications and sample drugs must be accompanied by written administration instructions and documentation entered in the patient’s medical record.