Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 49, December 6, 2024
Section 69-7-40 - Medical Withdrawal40.1. Medical withdrawal occurs as a voluntary and therapeutic withdrawal agreed upon by staff and patient in accordance with approved national guidelines. In some cases the withdrawal may be against the advice of clinical staff (against medical advice).40.2. The opioid treatment program shall supply a schedule of dose reduction well tolerated by the patient.40.3. The program shall offer supportive treatment, including increased counseling sessions and referral to a self-help group or other counseling provider as appropriate.40.4. If the patient leaves the opioid treatment program abruptly against medical advice, the program may readmit the patient within thirty days without a formal reassessment procedure. The program shall document attempting to assist the patient in any issues which may have triggered his or her abrupt departure.40.5. The opioid treatment program shall make provisions for continuing care for each patient following the last dose of medication and for re-entry to maintenance treatment if relapse occurs or if the patient should reconsider withdrawal.40.6. Female patients shall have a negative pregnancy screen prior to the onset of either administrative or medically-supervised withdrawal.40.7. For either withdrawal, the program shall have in place a detailed relapse prevention plan developed by the counselor in in accordance with approved national guidelines and in conjunction with the patient. The prevention plan shall be given to the patient in writing prior to the administration of the final dose.