Sec. 08.72.276. Maximum dosage for opioid prescriptions.

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A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)A licensee may not issue

(1)an initial prescription for an opioid that exceeds a four-day supply to an adult patient for outpatient use;

(2)a prescription for an opioid that exceeds a four-day supply to a minor; upon issuance of a prescription for an opioid to a minor, the licensee shall discuss with the parent or guardian of the minor why the prescription is necessary and the risks associated with opioid use.

(b)Notwithstanding

(a)of this section, a licensee may issue a prescription for an opioid that exceeds a four-day supply to an adult or minor patient if the licensee determines that more than a four-day supply of an opioid is necessary

(1)to treat the patient's medical condition or for chronic pain management; the licensee may write a prescription for an opioid for the quantity needed to treat the patient's medical condition or chronic pain; the licensee shall document in the patient's medical record the condition triggering the prescription of an opioid in a quantity that exceeds a four-day supply and indicate that a nonopioid alternative was not appropriate to address the medical condition; or

(2)for a patient who is unable to access a practitioner within the time necessary for a refill of the four-day supply because of a logistical or travel barrier; the licensee may write a prescription for an opioid for the quantity needed to treat the patient for the time that the patient is unable to access a practitioner; the licensee shall document in the patient's medical record the reason for the prescription of an opioid in a quantity that exceeds a four-day supply and indicate that a nonopioid alternative was not appropriate to address the medical condition; in this paragraph, “practitioner” has the meaning given in AS 11.71.900 .