Section R156-37-604 - Prescribing of Controlled Substances for Weight Reduction or Control(1) A practitioner may not prescribe, dispense, or administer a Schedule II or Schedule III controlled substance for weight reduction or control.(2) A prescribing practitioner may prescribe or administer a Schedule IV controlled substance in treating excessive weight leading to increased health risks only if the prescribing practitioner complies with each of the following conditions: (a) medication is used only as an adjunct to a comprehensive weight loss program based on supplemental weight loss activities including changing lifestyle counseling, nutritional education, and a regular, individualized exercise regimen;(b) before initiating treatment the prescribing practitioner:(i) determines through thorough review of past medical records that the patient has made a substantial good-faith effort to lose weight in a comprehensive weight loss program without the use of controlled substances, and the previous regimen has not been effective;(ii) obtains a complete history, performs a complete physical examination of the patient, and rules out the existence of recognized contraindications to the use of the medication;(iii) determines and documents the assessment in the patient's medical record, that the health benefit to the patient greatly outweighs the possible risks of the medications prescribed; and(iv) discusses with the patient the possible risks associated with the medication, and has on record an informed consent that clearly documents that the long term effects of using controlled substances for weight loss or weight control are not known;(c) throughout the prescribing period, the prescribing practitioner: (i) supervises, oversees, and regularly monitors the patient, including the patient's participation in supplemental weight loss activities, efficacy of the medication, and advisability of continuing to prescribe the weight loss or weight control medication; and(ii) maintains a central medical record that contains at least the following information: (A) the goal of treatment or target weight;(B) the ongoing progress toward that goal or maintenance of the weight loss;(C) the patient's supplemental weight loss activities with documentation of compliance with the comprehensive weight loss program; and(d) the prescribing practitioner shall immediately discontinue the weight loss medication if: (i) the practitioner knows or should know that the patient is pregnant;(ii) the patient has consumed or disposed of any controlled substance other than in compliance with the prescribing practitioner's directions;(iii) the patient is abusing the controlled substance being prescribed for weight loss;(iv) the patient develops a contraindication of therapy;(v) the medication is not effective; or(vi) the patient is not complying with the agreed upon comprehensive weight loss program.Utah Admin. Code R156-37-604
Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2023-02, effective 1/5/2023