(a) For a patient with chronic nonmalignant pain, a prescriber, at a minimum and in addition to any additional requirements of the appropriate licensing board, shall: (1) Check the prescriptive history of the patient on the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program at least every six (6) months; and(2) Have a signed pain contract with the patient that states, at a minimum, the expectations of the prescriber for the behavior of the patient which may include: (A) A requirement for random urine drug screenings to help ensure that the patient is abiding by the requirements of the contract; and(B) A requirement for random pill counts to ensure compliance with the prescription.(b) The requirements of this section shall not apply to a patient:(1) Whose pain medications are being prescribed for a malignant condition;(2) With a terminal condition;(3) Who is a resident of a licensed healthcare facility;(4) Who is enrolled in a hospice program; or(5) Who is in an inpatient or outpatient palliative care program.Added by Act 2015, No. 1208,§ 6, eff. 7/22/2015. (a) For a patient with chronic nonmalignant pain, a prescriber, at a minimum and in addition to any additional requirements of the appropriate licensing board, shall: (1) Check the prescriptive history of the patient on the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program at least every six (6) months; and(2) Have a signed pain contract with the patient that states, at a minimum, the expectations of the prescriber for the behavior of the patient which may include: (A) A requirement for random urine drug screenings to help ensure that the patient is abiding by the requirements of the contract; and(B) A requirement for random pill counts to ensure compliance with the prescription.(b) The requirements of this section shall not apply to a patient:(1) Whose pain medications are being prescribed for a malignant condition;(2) With a terminal condition;(3) Who is a resident of a licensed healthcare facility;(4) Who is enrolled in a hospice program; or(5) Who is in an inpatient or outpatient palliative care program.Added by Act 2015, No. 1208,§ 6, eff. 7/22/2015.
Arkansas Legal Code