Controlled substances

What You Need to Know About Mandatory E-Prescribing Controlled Substances - 01/12/2021

The Texas Medical Association has created a “frequently asked questions” (FAQ) document that can help you understand state and federal laws that went into effect Jan. 1 requiring physicians to electronically prescribe controlled substances as well as various waivers.

Texas Medical Board Posts More Details on E-Prescribing Waivers - 12/22/2020

Beginning Jan. 1, prescriptions for all controlled substances must be filed electronically. However, prescribers who demonstrate financial or technical hardships, or other exceptional circumstances, can apply for a waiver that, if approved, will grant a one-year delay.

How to Prescribe Controlled Substances Under COVID-19 Waivers - 08/19/2020

If you treat patients with chronic pain, you can temporarily prescribe certain controlled substances during a telemedicine visit under state and federal waivers issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

No Cannabis for Pregnant Women or New Mothers, FDA Warns - 10/22/2019

Texas physicians are encouraged to help the U.S. Food and Drug Administration spread the word to pregnant and breast-feeding mothers to avoid using cannabis and cannabis-derived products.

Help Promote National Drug Prescription Take Back Day on Oct. 26 - 10/22/2019

Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which allows people to dispose of prescription drugs safely and anonymously, is scheduled for Oct. 26 at locations throughout the state.

U.S. Opioid Abuse: Teaching Is Fundamental - 05/03/2018

Abuse of prescription pain medications has become a national epidemic behind the top three most commonly abused substances ― alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana ― according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Physicians Will Lead Legislature’s Controlled Substances Committee - 01/18/2018

When a special joint committee of the Texas Legislature tackles issues with controlled substances this year, physician-lawmakers will take the lead.

FDA Says No to Prescription Opioid Cough Meds for Children - 01/17/2018

FDA officials announced recently that prescription cough and cold medications that contain codeine or hydrocodone should not be given to patients younger than 18 years because the medicines’ risks outweigh their benefits in children.

DEA Investigations - 04/26/2017

This article provides general information regarding what to do, and what not to do, when a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigator contacts you.

Pharmacogenetics in Physician Practice - 09/01/2016

Chronic pain is a significant problem in the United States as more than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. Opioid medications have been used to help those who suffer. Although these medications can give patients pain relief, increase their function, and improve their quality of life, their use can be risky and life-threatening. Opioid use has led to epidemic levels of unintentional overdoses in the United States.

DPS Answers Controlled Substance Certificate Renewal Questions - 05/06/2014

As physicians tell the Texas Medical Association about their continued problems getting the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to process their applications for renewal of their controlled substance certificates, TMA continues to press state officials for an explanation. More importantly, TMA continues to press DPS officials to let physicians know what they have to do to get their renewed certificates and when they can expect to receive them.

Board Pulls Plan for Pharmacists to Check Diagnoses - 02/13/2014

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) quickly killed a proposal that would have required pharmacists to contact the prescribing physician for each new patient with a prescription for a controlled substance. The decision came at a crowded TSBP meeting Feb. 11, 2014. "Another bureaucratic obstacle to medical practice has been stopped," said TMA General Counsel Donald "Rocky" Wilcox.