(a)  Except as provided in subdivision (b), any narcotic controlled substance employed in treating a person with substance use disorder for addiction shall be administered by:

(1)  A physician and surgeon.

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(2)  A registered nurse acting under the instruction of a physician and surgeon.

(3)  A physician assistant licensed pursuant to Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 3500) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code acting under the patient-specific authority of their physician and surgeon.

(b)  When acting under the direction of a physician and surgeon, the following persons may administer a narcotic controlled substance in the treatment of a person with substance use disorder for addiction to a controlled substance:

(1)  A psychiatric technician licensed pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 4500) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code.

(2)  A vocational nurse licensed pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 2840) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code.

(3)  A pharmacist licensed pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 4000) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code.

(c)  Except as permitted in this section, no person shall order, permit, or direct any other person to administer a narcotic controlled substance to a person being treated for addiction to a controlled substance.

(Amended (as amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 21) by Stats. 2023, Ch. 276, Sec. 3. (AB 1341) Effective September 30, 2023.)