- (a) Patient evaluation. A patient who is being treated with controlled substances for chronic nonmalignant pain shall be evaluated at least one (1) time every six (6) months by a physician who is licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board.
(b) Prescriber requirements. For a patient with chronic nonmalignant pain, a prescriber, at a minimum and in addition to any additional requirements of the 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.
(c) 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.