Controlled substance Policy

Controlled substances are medications regulated by the Federal Drug Administration in such a fashion that special licensing is required for providers to prescribe the product, and certain restrictions are often applied and enforced for the distribution and use of such medications. These restricted medications are categorized into class 1 through 5. Medications of concern in this policy are those contained within these classes. Abuse in the form of misusing, overusing, and selling has been reported to be of significant concern in the United States. To this end, Boro Clinic providers strive to ensure, to the best of their ability, that all prescriptions are used properly and for their intended purpose. Even though the majority of people will respect these ends, significant numbers will not, necessitating those steps be taken to screen all to define and identify the few. 

Following are the guidelines for prescribing Schedule 2, 3, 4, and 5 Controlled Medications effective September 1, 2019: Provider will issue the initial prescription during a scheduled patient office visit arranged for that purpose. Appropriate documentation must appear in the chart regarding the source of the pain (if applicable), an appropriate history and physical exam documenting the patient’s problem, and the decision to prescribe the medication with the appropriate notation of amounts, dosages, duration and follow-up scheduled for re-evaluation.

It is absolutely never appropriate to text or call the provider's personal cellphone about a controlled substance request. Doing so will result in immediate termination from the practice. 

Misuse: Any misuse of controlled substances will not be tolerated. Please take all medications as prescribed. The provider may discontinue a medication if being abused, misused, or not taken correctly. 

30 Day Prescriptions: All medications will be prescribed for only 30 days despite the schedule of the drug. 

Security: Please keep your controlled substance locked away. This will prevent thieves from taking the medication. Keep away from children at all times. 

Refills: No refills of medications will be given without an appointment. 

Pain Medication: Pain medication will never be prescribed over the phone or telehealth. You will need an in-person appointment to have this prescribed. 

Pharmacy: Patients may only use one pharmacy for controlled substances. They must show proof of address change to change pharmacies prior to appointment. 

Urine Drug Screen: We reserve the right to urine drug screen any person on controlled substances at any time. If you fail a urine drug screen, your prescription will be terminated. 

Disposal: Please contact your pharmacy for correct disposal of controlled substances.

Benzodiazepines: Unless there is an extenuating circumstance, all benzodiazepines will be prescribed only if the patient is on a mood controlling medication like an SSRI and is seeing a behavioral professional regularly.

Pill Counts: We reserve the right to make an appointment and do a “pill count” at any time. 

Missed Appointments: If a patient misses an appointment, they will be titrated back down to the lowest dose of the medication, if appropriate. 

Lost Medications: All lost, destroyed, stolen, expired or otherwise misplaced or misused Controlled Substance medications and/or their scripts will not be replaced. 

Only one prescription by one provider may be picked up in a single month.