2016 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes
Title 35 - HEALTH AND SAFETY
Chapter 52A - Prescribing Opioids to Minors
Section 52A01 - Definitions
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Authorized adult." An adult who has a valid health care proxy to consent to the minor's medical treatment.
"Bureau." The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs.
"Controlled substance." A drug, substance or immediate precursor included in Schedules II, III, IV and V of section 4 of the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act.
"Licensing board." A Commonwealth board which licenses, registers or certifies a prescriber.
"Medical emergency." A situation which, in a prescriber's good faith professional judgment, creates an immediate threat of serious risk to the life or physical health of a minor.
"Minor." An individual under 18 years of age. The term excludes an individual who is emancipated by:
(1) marrying;
(2) entering the armed forces of the United States;
(3) being employed and self-sustaining; or
(4) otherwise being independent from the care and control of the individual's parent, guardian or custodian.
"Opioid." Any of the following:
(1) A preparation or derivative of opium.
(2) A synthetic narcotic that has opiate-like effects but is not derived from opium.
(3) A group of naturally occurring peptides that bind at or otherwise influence opiate receptors, including opioid agonist.
"Prescriber." A person that is licensed, registered or otherwise authorized to distribute, dispense or administer a controlled substance, other drug or device in the course of professional practice or research in this Commonwealth. The term does not include a veterinarian.
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