DEA Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Regulations to Allow Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances
On June 27, 2008, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued proposed regulations that would allow authorized prescribers to issue electronic prescriptions for controlled substances and pharmacies to receive and dispense those prescriptions. The DEA is seeking public comment on the proposed regulations, which can be submitted by mail or electronically on or before September 25, 2008. Click here to read the press release about the proposed regulations, and click here to read the full text of the Federal Register Notice and for more detailed instructions on submitting comments.
Pain Resource Nurse (PRN) Program Coordinator Training
ASPI is pleased to announce a train-the-trainers program for Pain Resource Nurse (PRN) Program coordinators from November 13-15, 2008 in Chicago, IL. PRN programs are designed to prepare staff nurses to act as role models and resources for the day-to-day care of patients in pain. We invite nursing leaders who are committed to implementing a PRN program in their organizations to apply to participate in this unique training opportunity.
Click here for full details and application information.
Apply soon as space is very limited!
Implementing the DEA Multiple Prescriptions Rule:
Cautions & Steps
The recent DEA rule, Issuance of Multiple Prescriptions for Schedule II Controlled Substances, has been heralded as good news throughout the pain community. This ruling allows licensed prescribers to write multiple prescriptions for Schedule II drugs with staggered fill dates, thus providing patients with the equivalent of a 90-day supply of medication when appropriate. However, because states can enact controlled substances laws that are more stringent than federal laws, experts have raised concerns that the rule may not be consistent with the laws and regulations in certain states. For example, in some states prescriptions are only valid for a very limited period of time, such as one week, which would therefore prohibit implementation of the federal rule.
As the laws and regulations pertaining to the prescribing of controlled substances vary considerably from state to state, the ASPI urges State Pain Initiatives to carefully review their state laws and regulations and to consult with their state medical, nursing, and pharmacy boards and controlled substances authority to determine if practitioners in their state can implement the new federal regulation. In addition, in states where the federal rule is in accordance with state law, the ASPI urges Initiatives to work with their state licensing boards to ensure that information about the regulation is clearly communicated to all practitioners who are licensed to prescribe or dispense Schedule II controlled substances in their state.
Distribution of 40 mg Methadone Formulation Restricted
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) recently issued an advisory announcing that manufacturers of methadone hydrochloride 40 mg tablets have agreed to restrict distribution of this formulation of the drug. As of January 1, 2008, the 40 mg tablets, which are not FDA approved for use in pain management, will only be distributed to hospitals and facilities that have been authorized for detoxification and maintenance treatment of persons with opioid addiction. The 5 mg and 10 mg formulations of methadone hydrochloride, which are approved for the treatment of pain, will continue to be available to all authorized registrants, including retail pharmacies.
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Detecting Discomfort in Dementia: Focus on Behaviors
In this booklet, you will find information about cancer pain - and how to manage it. Pain medicines are often needed, but other treatments may be helpful as well. You don’t have to “go it alone.” For best results, you need to work as part of a team with family and friends, and your doctor, nurse, pharmacist and social worker. Glossy printed copies and a