Sec. 481.0764. DUTIES OF PRESCRIBERS, PHARMACISTS, AND RELATED HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS. (a) A person authorized to receive information under Section 481.076(a)(5), other than a veterinarian, shall access that information with respect to the patient before prescribing or dispensing opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or carisoprodol.

(b) A person authorized to receive information under Section 481.076(a)(5) may access that information with respect to the patient before prescribing or dispensing any controlled substance.

(c) A veterinarian authorized to access information under Subsection (b) regarding a controlled substance may access the information for prescriptions dispensed only for the animals of an owner and may not consider the personal prescription history of the owner.

(d) A violation of Subsection (a) is grounds for disciplinary action by the regulatory agency that issued a license, certification, or registration to the person who committed the violation.

(e) This section does not grant a person the authority to issue prescriptions for or dispense controlled substances.

(f) A prescriber or dispenser whose practice includes the prescription or dispensation of opioids shall annually attend at least one hour of continuing education covering best practices, alternative treatment options, and multi-modal approaches to pain management that may include physical therapy, psychotherapy, and other treatments. The board shall adopt rules to establish the content of continuing education described by this subsection. The board may collaborate with private and public institutions of higher education and hospitals in establishing the content of the continuing education. This subsection expires August 31, 2023.

Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 485 (H.B. 2561), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2017.

Amended by:

Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1167 (H.B. 3285), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2019.