(a) This article does not apply to a patient who is currently in active treatment for cancer, receiving hospice care from a licensed hospice provider or palliative care provider, or is a resident of a long-term care facility.

Have a question?
Click here to chat with a criminal defense lawyer and protect your rights.

 (b) This article does not apply to a patient being prescribed, or ordered, any medication in an inpatient setting at a hospital.

(c) Notwithstanding the limitations on the prescribing of a Schedule II opioid drug contained in § 16-54-4 of this code, a practitioner may prescribe an initial seven-day supply of a Schedule II opioid drug to a post-surgery patient immediately following a surgical procedure. Based upon the medical judgment of the practitioner, a subsequent prescription may be prescribed by the practitioner pursuant to the provisions of this code. Nothing in this section authorizes a practitioner to prescribe any medication which he or she is not permitted to prescribe pursuant to their practice act.

(d) A practitioner who acquires a patient after January 1, 2018, who is currently being prescribed a Schedule II opioid drug from another practitioner is required to access the Controlled Substances Monitoring Program Database as set forth in § 60A-9-1 et seq. of this code. The practitioner shall otherwise treat the patient as set forth in this code.

(e) This article does not apply to an existing practitioner-patient relationship established before January 1, 2018, where there is an established and current opioid treatment plan which is reflected in the patient’s medical records.