DEA Ruling Allowing Multiple Prescriptions For Controlled Substances

Physicians will be able to date a prescription for a fill date in the future on some controlled drugs..."Do not fill until______", which will be a big help in not forcing patients to return for an additional office visit when it is not warranted with the medical condition. BD

Although not in effect until 30 days from the date of the final ruling on "Issuance of Multiple Prescriptions for Schedule II Controlled Substances," this rule change allows physicians to write three separate prescriptions with staggered fill dates. Patients can still be given the equivalent of a 90-day prescription for schedule II controlled substances when medically appropriate. Schedule II drugs are those that have recognized medical uses as well as a potential for dependence and abuse. Consequently, these drugs are carefully controlled and regulated by the DEA. The DEA now allows physicians to use their professional judgment to carefully control the amount of a controlled substance issued to a patient at one time.

AAPM considers this ruling to be a positive indication of recently improved communication between the medical community and law enforcement. Under protest from pain physicians, the DEA had previously disallowed "Do Not Fill Until…" prescriptions for several years. The agency's Final Rule has been eagerly awaited by these concerned physicians who must provide legitimate pain control........" this rule change allows physicians to write three separate prescriptions with staggered fill dates. Patients can still be given the equivalent of a 90-day prescription for schedule II controlled substances when medically appropriate.