| Action Summary | Emergency regulations for optometrists prescribing of controlled substances containing opioids are being promulgated as emergency regulations to address the opioid abuse crisis in Virginia. Regulations for the management of acute pain require prescribing a dosage not to exceed seven days and include requirements for the evaluation of the patient and limitations on quantity. Regulations provide requirements for prescribing an opioid beyond seven days to include a re-evaluation of the patient, check of the Prescription Monitoring Program, and specific information in the patient record. Finally, if a TPA-certified optometrist finds an opioid prescription for chronic pain is necessary, he or she is required to refer the patient to a physician or comply with Board of Medicine regulation for managing chronic pain. |
| Chapters Affected | Only affects this chapter. |
| Executive Branch Review | This action will go through the normal Executive Branch Review process. |
| RIS Project | Yes [005205] |
| New Periodic Review | This action will not be used to conduct a new periodic review. |
| Name / Title: | Leslie L. Knachel / Executive Director |
| Address: |
9960 Mayland Drive Suite 300 Henrico, VA 23233 |
| Email Address: | leslie.knachel@dhp.virginia.gov |
| Phone: | (804)597-4130 FAX: (804)793-9145 TDD: ()- |