Ala. Admin. Code r. 630-X-15-.02

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 630-X-15-.02 - Education

In any case when a licensed optometrist shall prescribe a pharmaceutical agent containing Codeine, Codeine Phosphate, Dihydrocodeine, ethylmorphine, opium or any derivative thereof, morphine, buprenorphine, or any Schedule III narcotic, the optometrist shall provide to the patient opiate risk education counseling and literature setting out the following:

(a) Information on the risks of addiction and overdose associated with opioid drugs and the dangers of taking opioid drugs and alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other central nervous system depressants;

(b) The reasons why the prescription given is necessary;

(c) Alternative treatment that may be available, if applicable;

(d) Information on the risks associated with the use of the drugs being prescribed, specifically that opioids are highly addictive, even when taken as prescribed; that there is a risk of developing a physical or psychological dependence on the controlled substance, and that the risks of taking more opioids than prescribed, or mixing sedatives, benzodiazepines, or alcohol with opioids may result in fatal respiratory depression.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 630-X-15-.02

Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVIII, Issue No. 05, February 28, 2020, eff. 4/13/2020.

Authors: Wallace D. Mills, Dr. Fred Wallace

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala., 1975, §