The Board proposes the rule to establish guidelines for the prescribing of controlled substances for acute pain.

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Board of Nursing

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

64B9-4.017Standards for the Prescribing of Controlled Substances for the Treatment of Acute Pain

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Board proposes the rule to establish guidelines for the prescribing of controlled substances for acute pain.

SUMMARY: To establish guidelines as required by Chapter 2018-13, Section 3, Laws of Florida.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: During discussion of the economic impact of this rule at its Board meeting, the Board concluded that this rule change will not have any impact on licensees and their businesses or the businesses that employ them. The rule will not increase any fees, business costs, personnel costs, will not decrease profit opportunities, and will not require any specialized knowledge to comply. This change will not increase any direct or indirect regulatory costs. Hence, the Board determined that a Statement of Estimated Regulatory Costs (SERC) was not necessary and that the rule will not require ratification by the Legislature. No person or interested party submitted additional information regarding the economic impact at that time.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 464.006, 456.44(4) FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 456.44(4) FS.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Joe R. Baker, Jr., Executive Director, Board of Nursing, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C02, Tallahassee, Florida 32399

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

64B9-4.017 Standards for the Prescribing of Controlled Substances for the Treatment of Acute Pain.

The standards of practice in this rule do not supersede the level of care, skill and treatment recognized in general law related to healthcare licensure.  All Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) who are authorized to prescribe controlled substances shall comply with the following:

(1) Definitions.

(a) Acute Pain. For the purpose of this rule “acute pain” is defined as the normal, predicted, physiological, and time-limited response to an adverse chemical, thermal, or mechanical stimulus associated with surgery, trauma or acute illness. The term does not include pain related to:

1. Cancer.

2. A terminal condition. For purposes of this subparagraph the term “terminal condition” means a progressive disease or medical or surgical condition that causes significant functional impairment is not considered to be reversible without the administration of life-sustaining procedures and will result in death within 1 year after diagnosis if the condition runs its normal course.

3. Palliative care to provide relief of symptoms related to an incurable progressive illness or injury.

4. A traumatic injury with an Injury Severity Score of 9 or greater.

(b) Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) or “the system.” For this rule the system is defined as the Florida Department of Health’s electronic system to collect and store controlled substance dispensing information as set forth in Section 893.055 F.S.

(c) Substance Abuse. For the purpose of this rule “substance abuse” is defined as the use of any substances for non-therapeutic purposes or use of medication for purposes other than those for which it is prescribed.

(2) Standards. The nature and extent of the requirements set forth below will vary depending on the practice setting and circumstances presented to the APRN. The Board has adopted the following standards for the prescribing of controlled substances for acute pain:

(a) Evaluation of the Patient. A medical history and physical examination appropriate for the patient’s clinical condition must be conducted and documented in the medical record. The medical record also shall document the presence of one or more recognized medical indications for the use of a controlled substance.

(b) Treatment Plan. The written treatment plan shall indicate if any further diagnostic evaluations or other treatments are planned to include non-opioid medications and therapies if indicated.  After treatment begins the APRN shall adjust medication therapy if necessary to the individual medical needs of each patient.

(c) Informed Consent and Agreement for Treatment. The APRN shall discuss the risks and benefits of the use of controlled substances, including the risk of abuse and addiction as well as physical dependence with the patient, persons designated by the patient, or with the patient’s surrogate or guardian if the patient is incompetent. The discussion shall also include expected pain intensity, duration, options, use of pain medications, non-medication therapies, and common side effects. Special attention must be given to those pain patients who are at risk of misuse or diversion of their medications.

(d) Periodic Review. Based on the circumstances presented, the APRN shall review the course of treatment and any new information about the etiology of the pain.  Continuation or modification of therapy shall depend on the APRN’s evaluation of the patient’s progress.  If treatment goals are not achieved despite medication adjustments, the APRN shall reevaluate the patient and determine the appropriateness of continued treatment.  The APRN shall monitor patient compliance of medication usage and related treatment plans.

(e) Consultation. The APRN shall refer the patient as necessary for additional evaluation and treatment in order to achieve treatment objectives. The management of pain in patients with a history of substance abuse or with a comorbid psychiatric disorder

requires extra care monitoring and documentation and may require consultation with or referral to an expert in the management of such patients.

(f) Medical Records. The APRN is required to keep accurate and complete records to include, but not be limited to:

1. The medical history and a physical examination including history of drug abuse or dependence if indicated;

2. Diagnostic, therapeutic, and laboratory results;

3. Evaluations and consultations;

4. Treatment objectives;

5. Discussion of risks and benefits;

6. Treatments;

7. Medications (including date, type, dosage, and quantity prescribed);

8. Instructions and agreements;

9. Drug testing results, if indicated;

10. Justification for deviation from the 3-day prescription supply limit for a Schedule II opioid controlled substance for acute pain;

11. Outline of problems encountered when attempting to consult the PDMP if the system was non-operational or the APRN or his or her designee is unable to access the PDMP due to a temporary technological or electrical failure; and

12. Periodic reviews. Records must remain current and be maintained in an accessible manner readily available for review.

(g) Compliance with Laws and Rules. APRNs shall at all times remain in compliance with this rule and all state and federal laws and regulations addressing the prescribing and administration of controlled substances.

Rulemaking Authority 464.006, 456.44(4) FS. Law Implemented 456.44(4) F.S. History:  New ______.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Board of Nursing

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Board of Nursing

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: October 5, 2018

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: November 21, 2018