DEPARTMENT OF REGULATORY AGENCIES Colorado Podiatry Board RULE 330 - RULES REGARDING THE USE OF BENZODIAZEPINE 3 CCR 712-21 [Editor’s Notes follow the text of the rules at the end of this CCR Document.] _________________________________________________________________________ 21.1 STATEMENT OF BASIS AND PURPOSE The basis for the Board’s promulgation of these rules and regulations is sections 12-20-204(1) and 12- 290-106(1)(a), C.R.S. The specific statutory authority for the promulgation of this Rule is section 12-30- 109(6), C.R.S.

The purpose for the Board’s promulgation of these rules and regulations are to implement rules required by section 12-30-109(6), C.R.S., related to requirements for prescribing benzodiazepines to patients for whom licensees have not previously prescribed benzodiazepines within the last twelve months. 21.2 RULES AND REGULATIONS A. Licensees must limit any prescription for a continuous benzodiazepine to a 30-day supply, for any patient to whom the licensee has not prescribed a benzodiazepine in the last 12 months. B. Prior to prescribing the second fill of a benzodiazepine, a licensee must comply with the requirements of section 12-280-404(4), C.R.S. Failure to comply with section 12-280-404(4), C.R.S., constitutes unprofessional conduct or grounds for discipline under section 12-290-108(3), C.R.S.

C. The limitation stated in Section (A) of this Rule does not apply to patients for whom licensees prescribe benzodiazepines for the following conditions: 1. Epilepsy;

2. A seizure, a seizure disorder, or a suspected seizure disorder; 3. Spasticity;

4. Alcohol withdrawal; or 5. A neurological condition, including a post-traumatic brain injury or catatonia. D. These rules do not require or encourage abrupt discontinuation, limitation, or withdrawal of benzodiazepines. Licensees are expected to follow generally accepted standards of podiatry practice, based on an individual patient’s needs, in tapering benzodiazepine prescriptions. 1 CODE OF COLORADO REGULATIONS 3 CCR 712-21 Colorado Podiatry Board _________________________________________________________________________ Editor’s Notes History New rule eff. 10/30/2021.

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