Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023)
Title 20 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (§§ 20-2-101 — 20-86-113)
Subtitle 2 - HEALTH AND SAFETY (§§ 20-6-101 — 20-38-113)
Chapter 7 - STATE BOARD OF HEALTH - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (§§ 20-7-101 — 20-7-708)
Subchapter 7 - COMBATING PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE ACT (§§ 20-7-701 — 20-7-708)
Section 20-7-707 - Prescriber requirements

• (a) For a patient with chronic nonmalignant pain, a prescriber, at a minimum and in addition to any additional requirements of the appropriate licensing board, shall:
  • (1) Check the prescriptive history of the patient on the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program at least every six (6) months; and
  • (2) Have a signed pain contract with the patient that states, at a minimum, the expectations of the prescriber for the behavior of the patient which may include:
    • (A) A requirement for random urine drug screenings to help ensure that the patient is abiding by the requirements of the contract; and
    • (B) A requirement for random pill counts to ensure compliance with the prescription.

• (b) The requirements of this section shall not apply to a patient:
  • (1) Whose pain medications are being prescribed for a malignant condition;
  • (2) With a terminal condition;
  • (3) Who is a resident of a licensed healthcare facility;
  • (4) Who is enrolled in a hospice program; or
  • (5) Who is in an inpatient or outpatient palliative care program.

Added by Act 2015, No. 1208,§ 6, eff. 7/22/2015.